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Soccer Without Borders (www.soccerwithoutborders.org) is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, CA but with projects all over the world. Their mission is to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of marginalized youth. They work locally and internationally to help young people develop their bodies, voices and minds. Using soccer as a tool for youth development, they work with children throughout the world who, due to a complex variety of social and economic factors, lack access to quality sport and educational opportunities within their communities. Their goal is to build sustainable programs by providing the necessary resources, structures and support for local actors to continue running educational activities.
Granada, Nicaragua is one such area that Soccer Without Borders has targeted - particularly for the under-served female athlete population. Granada is located an hour south of Nicaragua’s capital, Managua. A former Spanish colony, Granada is a small city with a central square and Cathedral, and burgeoning tourist industry. Locals are used to interacting with foreigners, especially in the area surrounding the central square. Spanish is the primary language and proficient English speakers are rare. Soccer Without Borders will send a group of volunteers (student-athletes and coaches from the US) to Nicaragua in January to participate in T.E.A.M. (Trabajando en Equipo Aprendemos Mas - Working as a Team We Learn More) Granada. The program aims to provide opportunities for girls to play soccer, meet and interact with peers, and enjoy the benefits associated with team sports. Through themed nights at the office, practices on the weekends, and an annual camp, girls develop key skills and a sense of belonging in a community that does not always offer them that opportunity.
Erin and Leah are thrilled to be participating in the Winter Break T.E.A.M. Camp in Granada. The camp runs from January 9-17, 2010. Our fundraising efforts include support for airfare, living expenses, equipment and printing costs, referee and coaches fees, and other miscellaneous costs that go to fund the daily needs of SWB Nicaragua. We hope that you’ll consider contributing to this incredible (tax-deductible) cause in our names!
ABOUT US:
Erin is currently in her 2nd year as an Assistant Coach with Lehigh University's women's soccer team in Bethlehem, PA. She hasn't taken Spanish since 10th grade but still remembers a fair amount and is confident that somehow she'll get by. Erin played soccer at Lehigh as well and graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in Studio Art. She went on to study and serve as an Graduate Assistant Coach at Bucknell University from 2006-2008. There she earned a M.S. in Education and holds teaching certification in Art. Erin has coached at a number of camps and worked with many different teams over the past 10 years, but she's never been to Central America and is really looking forward to working with the girls in Nicaragua!
Leah is a sophomore student-athlete on the Lehigh women's soccer team. She plays outside back, is a feisty defender, and actually knows a lot more Spanish than Erin! Her major is currently undeclared, but she's definitely leaning towards Biology. Two summers ago she spent time in Spain with her sister and has aspired to do more traveling ever since. Leah has really enjoyed serving as a camp counselor in the past and sees this opportunity as a way she can give back to young girls and the game she loves. The combination of soccer and Spanish has made Leah really excited to volunteer on this adventure in Nicaragua!
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