Futbol Sin Fronteras - The Beautiful Game Connecting the World

Adios New England,  Hola Nicaragua!

After an incredible experiencing playing soccer in Sweden, I will be heading to Central America on Thursday to continue to play soccer, but also to coach and be a part of an inspiring organization called Soccer Without Borders.  The mission of the organization, Soccer Without Borders' is to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change, providing under-served youth a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion and personal success.  http://www.soccerwithoutborders.org/

The beautiful game of soccer has been an integral part of my life and has shaped me into the person I am today and I hope to instill this same sense of power that soccer provides to me in the young girls and women across Nicaragua. I believe that soccer teaches valuable life lessons; it creates a strong foundation for individuals to develop self-confidence,  demonstrates how to use teamwork while facing challenges, and provides an important and necessary outlet in life.  I am truly looking forward to being a part of this group and sharing my love of soccer with the girls and women of Nicaragua. 

A little bit about what I will be doing... 

My main responsibility as the "soccer specialist" during these six weeks will be to develop the young girls and women as soccer players . There is a lot of potential in these female athletes and I am hoping to develop their fútbol skill, intelligence and passion.  Additionally, I will be reaching out to the community by encouraging new team members to join from the local schools, as this is one of the main ways the program has grown in past years. 

 

 

Another exciting part of my trip will be the Inter-America Exchange. With the support of the US Department of State and the US Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, Soccer Without Borders has been selected to design and lead what is perhaps the most comprehensive effort by the US to support the growth of girls’ and women’s soccer in Nicaragua. To date, Nicaraguan girls’ participation in soccer remains underwhelming compared to their male peers, with economic and cultural barriers consistently thwarting strides made in the direction of a more supported National  Team, consistent playing opportunities, proper coaching and equipment, and space to play.  A group of NCAA recent graduates will be holding youth practices, coaching clinics throughout the country and we will be playing in showcase games against the top female teams, including the Nicaraguan National team.  I am so lucky to be a part of this important movement and am eager to meet and play with so many inspiring individuals.  

I have included a link to my fundraising page below which has more details on what I am raising money for and what the organization Soccer without Borders is all about.  If you choose to donate to my volunteer trip, the page is set up in a way that makes it easy.  As you know any and all of your support is genuinely appreciated!! 

Donations page: 

http://www.razoo.com/story/Support-Soccer-Without-Borders 

I am blessed to have such a great opportunity, but even more blessed for my great friends and family who have encouraged and supported my dreams and aspirations.  Mucho Amor!! <3 

Timing is everything and I must say... my timing "es perfecto"... to be traveling down south as New England has been experiencing single digit temperatures on Cape Cod! Helloooo 90 degree weather!!!