Strengthening relationships and cooperating with local organizations and community groups is how we bring a collective good to youth in communities we serve. In the El Chorrillo neighborhood of Panama City, for example, youth walk around historic streets and roads painted with murals of their heroes, who are considered national treasures, and they want to become like them.

However, as exciting as this may sound, their day-to-day reality is very difficult, and the chance of them making it out of their current circumstances are slim to none without some support. Our work, partnering with local organizations and using soccer as a catalyst for change, is the way we can help El Chorrillo’s children keep their dreams alive and find a path to a better future. Soccer allows us to connect with youth. In our soccer clinics, participants become more confident, they develop higher self esteem, strengthen communication skills, and practice teamwork, all while having fun and learning new and soccer skills with others.