Donate to Tahuichi: Transform Lives Through Soccer

Tahuichi is a world-renowned youth soccer academy in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, sponsored by the Tahuichi USA Children’s Foundation. The Tahuichi Academy was formally organized on May 1st, 1978, by Eng. Rolando Aguilera Pareja as a private sports institution with no personal economic interests. A place dedicated to children's recreation and the development of the basics of soccer. Tahuichi now has over 3,000 children, boys and girls, in age groups from Under-5 to Under-19. Since 1978, more than 150,000 children have passed through its doors.

Today, winning international tournaments and developing international caliber players are not the only reasons for Tahuichi's existence. Originally developed as a soccer institution, Tahuichi has since transformed into a socio-cultural institution. Through soccer, Tahuichi emphasizes "hard work and organization" to develop highly motivated, successful citizens. While only a small fraction of Tahuichi graduates make it to soccer's elite level, all are taught a "positive winning attitude." Along with two hours of daily soccer instruction, the academy provides basic health and nutrition.

Most of the children who come to Tahuichi are malnourished and poverty-stricken. Many are disadvantaged, living in the streets, and orphaned. Tahuichi teaches soccer and gives the children a chance at a better life. Since 90% of the over 3,000 children that go to the academy do not pay a cent, money has historically come from outside sources such as contributions through the non-profit Tahuichi USA Children's Foundation. These funds cover operating costs, including a staffed emergency clinic.