Playing (Soccer) For Change in Nicaragua

Our girls never cease to amaze us. Their energy, enthusiasm, and courage inspire us to build as many avenues to opportunities as we possibly can, so that they can maximize their incredible potential. 2013 was quite a year for Soccer Without Borders in Nicaragua, a year of firsts and of milestones. For example,

2013 was the first time that...

• 5 of our coaches ever flew in an airplane or visited the U.S.
• 64 girls participated in their first ever season as a member of one of our teams 
• all participants had the chance to meet the full Nicaraguan Women's National Team and the President of the Nicaraguan Football Federation- FENIFUT
• our oldest girls' team recorded a league win over a boys team

2013 marked the...

• 5 year anniversary of the program
• largest girls soccer event in Granada history, with a 17 team Peace Cup on September 21st
• inauguration of a new dedicated field space
• expansion to four teams, including the nation's unofficial youngest team, las Mariposa Juniors ages 7-9
• formalization of a partnership between SWB Nicaragua and fellow Streetfootballworld member Seprojoven in Costa Rica.

In the year to come we have lofty goals, but our girls and coaches are determined to keep pushing the boundaries by:

• implementing a new education program, including access to school uniforms and school supplies for all participants, and the opportunity to apply for secondary school scholarships
• expand the program to 1-2 neighborhoods outside of the city center to regularly reach girls who are not within walking distance
• attend the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup youth festival hosted by partner Seprojoven in Costa Rica
• expand to a 5th team, the Caterpillars, ages 7-8, allowing the Mariposa Jrs. to become more age-specific
• build on the momentum of the Peace Cup, Day of the Girl, and International Women's Day celebrations to expand our reach outside of Granada
• implement an 8 week gym class curriculum to expose more girls to the program and encourage healthy, active choices

If you'd like to see some pictures from the past year, check out the highlight film that the girls watched at the opening event of 2014 at the link below (warning, major amateurism!). 

Thank you for your continued support and for following our girls in Granada!

Sincerely,

Mary McVeigh

Links:

• Highlight video 2013