Mexico

BACKGROUND

In 2023, in partnership with The Sidewalk School and Angel City FC, iACT launched Refugees United Soccer Academy in Reynosa, Mexico. The families who access this program are on the move, with new children coming and going from the program regularly.

Over the years, millions of people had come to the border in search of asylum from violence in Mexico and the Northern Triangle – El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. In recent years, asylum seekers have also come from countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, and Haiti.

CURRENT PROGRAMS IN MEXICO

Refugees United Soccer Academy

PROGRAM LOCATION(S)

Reynosa

RUSA IN MEXICO

2

coaches

1

program coordinator

20

girls and boys on average attend the soccer academy each week

HOPE IN ACTION

Building confidence through soccer.

When David first arrived at the academy, he was very shy. At first, he would only watch from a distance. We had invited him several times, but he preferred to stay on the sidelines and observe.

Little by little, he started stepping onto the field. At first, he played alone and rarely spoke to the other children. Over time, however, he began to gain confidence, join practices, interact with his teammates, and make friends.

Today, we see a different David—more confident, more involved, and growing both on and off the field. His soccer skills have improved tremendously, but most importantly, he has discovered that he belongs, that he is part of a team, and that he is capable of achieving far more than he once believed.

MEET OUR TEAM