There's a small village on the coast of Peru that boasts a skate park, a playground, a soccer court and easy access to surfing. In this village, 16 children live in a white, one-story house built for 12. Each of these children has been rescued from a life of danger, exploitation and abandonment.
Eleven-year-old Andres was found on the beach three months ago. He was escaping the frequent beatings administered by his foster family. Sixteen-year-old Lupe was living on the streets at the age of 9, dressed as a boy to protect herself from the men who prey on girls. Fourteen-year-old Jorge Luis walks past his family home every time he goes to the beach to surf. It's a constant reminder that they can't, or won't, take care of him.
Thanks to the Not for Sale Campaign and others, these kids are living in safety right now. They are thriving, instead of dodging strange men or living under the control of a human trafficker.
Last month, I and 13 others from North Manchester had the privilege of spending a day at the NFSC program in San Bartolo. It was clear to see that the opportunity to play soccer and surf was a vital part of the restoration that takes place in that house. Several of the kids proudly displayed medals they had won in surfing competitions. Others took us on in a two-hour-long game of soccer.
This spring, a number of children enrolled in Manchester Area Youth Soccer became Free2Play athletes (www.teamfree2play.org). Free2Play has given Andres, Lupe, and Jorge Luis the opportunity to heal and grow through the sports they love.
Ben McLaughlin coached the Free2Play team of Michael Ragan, Sydney McLaughlin, Tyler Andritsch, Michaela Luevano, Devin Corn, John England, Ranissa Shambarger, Madison Damron, Noah Shoemaker, Collin Bonewitz and Isaac Calloway. Harley Kruschwitz, Isaac Stout, Caleb Stout and Beletu Stout were Free2Play on other teams. Family and friends in the community pledged money for each goal these athletes made. By the end of the season, $296.98 had been raised for the Free2Play program. In addition, Manchester Area Youth Soccer generously donated $211 - a dollar for each child enrolled.
The money raised will provide food, surfboards, education, soccer balls, clothing and basketballs for children who've been rescued from slavery or vulnerable situations in Peru and Thailand.
It was incredible to witness this program at both ends - the kids in North Manchester, playing with such heart and gusto for kids in Peru and Thailand they'd never met, only heard of. The kids in Peru playing with such freedom and confidence because children in Indiana have provided the opportunities they need to succeed. Big changes happening on soccer fields thousands of miles apart.
In the words of Lupe, "God bless you and thank you."
