Football Tournament for Protection: a final full of talent and empathy in Barranquilla
Last weekend, the exciting Football Tournament for Protection was held in Barranquilla, bringing together young people from the communities of Carrizal and the Americas in an event full of emotions and learning.
This tournament, aimed at 240 young people from the communities of Carrizal and the Americas, framed within the USAID and ACDI/VOCA Resilient Youth program, transcended beyond a simple sports competition. It became a space where fundamental values and skills for life were fostered.
The transformative force of sport was palpable in the final of the tournament, where the young participants demonstrated their talent and their commitment to values such as empathy, respect and solidarity. Soccer was revealed as a powerful tool to promote the protection and comprehensive development of these young people.
Hilary Tapias, one of the tournament participants, expressed with great encouragement that she is a resilient young woman and that she has learned a lot thanks to this tournament, as she comments in her words: “I consider myself a resilient young woman, I can now face the different situations that arise. introduced me in my life, both at school and in my family. What I have learned in this tournament is to work as a team, to put into practice all the values such as empathy, responsibility and honesty.”
In addition to the sports competition, the Football Tournament for Protection in Barranquilla in the context of this program included activities designed to strengthen skills and values in young people and their families. Among these activities we highlight "Parche con Sentido", where the families that are part of the Family Cohesion Plan of the Resilient Youth program actively participated.
"I found the tournament excellent, it is a space for young people and it has changed them a lot, because they are no longer on the streets like before. They are more motivated to come to practice when it is their game. We thank USAID and ACDI/VOCA and all the organizations that made these spaces possible for the children, that they are enjoying it to the fullest" said Gisell Rodríguez, a mother of one of the young participants, she, like many families, notice the positive change. in these young people.
The winning teams of the final of the Football for Protection Tournament were recognized not only for their skill on the playing field, but also for their exemplary behavior, receiving applause and admiration from everyone present. However, all the young participants in the tournament were winners, as they had the opportunity to demonstrate their potential and strengthen skills such as teamwork, communication and conflict resolution.
Gisell Rodríguez and her son Alan.
The Football Tournament for Protection in Barranquilla is a clear example of how sport can be a development and protection tool for youth. Through initiatives like this, USAID and ACDI/VOCA demonstrate their commitment to building a just and equitable society, where all young people have the opportunity to develop their potential and become agents of change in their communities.
In summary, the final of the Football Tournament for Protection in the communities of Carrizal and the Americas in Barranquilla was a resounding success. We congratulate all the young participants for their talent and values, and we thank USAID and ACDI/VOCA for making this space of development and protection for young people possible.
El fútbol puede ser mucho más que un juego!
