Join Melisa in Empowering Nicaraguan Youth Athletes

Hi! My name is Melisa Efe, even though I am sure most of you know that! For those of you who know me well, this trip will not seem like much of a surprise but, for those of you who do not, welcome! I am raising funds for a Soccer Without Borders (SBW) program called TEAM Camp, which will be held in Granada, Nicaragua. T.E.A.M is a spanglish acronym that stands for "Tranajando en Equipo, Aprendemos Mas" meaning "working as a team, we learn more". My fundraising goal is to raise $700 dollars.

Personal Background

I started my soccer career at the age of 6, playing for a local soccer club until the age of 12. It was at this very early stage in life that I realized I probably wouldn't stop playing until I physically could not move anymore. After this I continued playing for my high school as a 5-time starting Varsity player where my passion for the beautiful game grew even more. Ultimately, becoming a passion to teach and coach as well. While attending college as West Virginia University, I played for the women's club team, coached local youth teams, and returned to coach the women's club team for a year after I graduated. Unfortunately, this time ended during the covid pandemic but, with that a new opportunity presented itself. I moved back home and since then, have spent the last 4 years coaching the same high school girls Varsity team that I was proud to be a part of!

Cultural Background

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Western hemisphere with 30% of the population living below the poverty line (as of 2020). Schools in Nicaragua are generally half-day, with a majority of youth dropping out prior to graduation from secondary school. While the challenges for all young people are significant, opportunities for girls are even more rare. Specifically, only 4% of Nicaraguan girls participate in school-based extracurricular sports, and only 13% informally play sports in their neighborhoods, compared to 52% of boys (PAHO). Additionally, less than half (48%) of Nicaraguan girls believe their neighborhoods are safe for sports.

Community Impact

Soccer and cultural exchanges are essential to the success of TEAM Camp. Camps at SWB Nicaragua are week-long events held during out-of-school time that bring together girls from across the Granada region for team-building activities, leadership workshops, and soccer. Each camp celebrates and amplifies the themes of teamwork, inclusion, and gender equity within and beyond the community.

How You Can Help

For Soccer Without Borders to continue to host community exchange and outreach programs, they ask volunteers to raise $700. These funds go directly to SWB and help contribute to equipment, facilities, and exchange programs like the one I will be participating in. Any amount exceeding this will go directly toward my out of pocket cost for flight and lodging (approx. $700). If amount exceeds donation and out of pocket costs, then the remainder becomes an additional donation.

If you made it this far, I am grateful that you have taken the time out of your day to learn about the cause and program. However, if you decide to donate, your contribution will help me make a difference to those in need!

Other ways you can help, include forwarding this campaign to friends and groups concerned about diversity, inclusion, and the growth of youth sports for all. Thank you for sharing!