For the Love of Futbol

For the Love of Futbol

So as futbol starts up again here in La Villa (Villa El Carmen), both pickup and a newly founded Sunday men’s league, a series of things have been running through my head. And what this series of things ultimately led to was the realization of what futbol really means here to the youth of my town.

A recent conversation with one of my futbol buddies described life in the Villa as boring, dull, and with nothing to do… but to play futbol at days end. This struck me as a strange comment, and my initial reaction was to rebuke his claim. But try as I might to argue, I just sat there open mouthed, without a response. He was right. For Nica’s of all ages, but youth in particular, the only thing they really have to look forward to is futbol. Most don’t work, or work part time and/or crumby jobs, and the pickup games are the only source of entertainment most days in my small town. The only alternatives seem to be television, caballito, and/or a combo of the two. (Although a bottle of caballito while watching Teresa is pretty good, am I right?) It’s not as if we were back in the states and endless sources of entertainment are at our disposal due to both technology and our own personal cars. For the youth, going to the field everyday is an excuse to get out of a crowded house, escape the hassle of your mother/siblings and meet up with your friends. It keeps you sane from all the madness of the world going on outside of the pitch, and a constant to hold on to. I would go as far as to say it even provides a sense of camaraderie or brotherhood, running side by side day in and day out, with the same core group of guys. An environment like that is tough to replicate anywhere else.

I took for granted back in the states just how good I had it as kid, as we all did, with numerous devoted parents willing to coach, town sponsored youth leagues, and resources and facilities. Parents that took an active interest in their children’s interests. Organizations that made it possible for youth to have weekly practices and games. Fields that are grass instead of rock and broken glass (and don’t need to be cut by hand with machete day by day). Multiple balls and practice equipment (so that if the only ball goes flat you continue playing, instead of waiting for weeks to collectively by a new ball). But the sad reality is that none of that does exist here, and kids are forced to fend on for themselves.

So there is an important take-away from all of this. And that’s the importance of extracurricular activities with the Nica juventud. This isn’t exactly a new concept, and I think its part of every sector’s core objectives. But look back at your own childhood and remember all the after-school activities you were a part of. Those, more than the classes I took, defined who I was. So be it futbol, a youth group, English classes, or whatever you can think of, we try to do what we can to give these kids a better chance of expressing themselves and enjoying life.

So for those of you who cherished those memories as much as I do, I have a request. My lovely parents have started to collect soccer gear, both new and used, to ship down here to hand out to my community. So please, if you have anything lying around the house that you no longer use, be it cleats (sizes 7 – 11, due to the youth I’m working with is in high school), soccer balls (size 5), or practice gear, help make a difference down here. All the above mentioned items are very much so luxuries down here, and will go along way in terms of personal happiness for the youth in my town. And its easy! All you have to do is bring/send the gear over to my parent’s house in New Canaan. So if you’re interested in donating, and want more details, email me at sam.shepard12@gmail.com. And be sure to include some sort of letter of encouragement, which I can translate and read to the group!