Soccer Trainer at the Ecuadorian Coast

In 2007, local villager Freddy Soto started a project using the local love of soccer to reach young people in Puerto López and the surrounding villages. Soccer school ‘’Los Canarios’’ was born. There are currently 80 teenagers and young adults being supported by the project.

The goal is to use soccer as a way of encouraging self-discipline, motivation and promoting self-development. To give young people the life skills they need and support them to gain the education they need to avoid the traps many young people of Puerto López fall into. Enabling them to build an alternative future for themselves and to act as positive role models. We foster creativity, initiative and talent.

We send both volunteers and interns to Puerto López. For interns, we are keen to discuss and ensure that this project fits school and personal requirements. We can also bring you in touch with former interns.

• Prepare and give soccer training in a challenging and structured manner (there are two trainings every day);
• Help out during the supplementary education classes, currently: English, Spanish grammar, electrics, math and computing;
• Stimulate discipline, confidence and a pro-active attitude;
• Enforce values and principles such as respect and collaboration. We hold sessions on self-esteem, values, protection of the environment and sexual protection and health;
• Support local initiatives to raise money for the project;
• Organize and give regular sessions with the young people’s families to involve them in the project and to promote the values of the project and address any issues the young people may be facing;
• Promote youth leadership, supporting the young people in the project to become involved in issues facing their home town.

There are normally two soccer trainings per day. One in the morning and one at the beginning of the afternoon. The rest of the day you have time for the other activities and of course to see more of the area or work on your Spanish or surfing skills.

In the weekends you are free to come and go wherever you want. The region is one of the tourist attractions of Ecuador. Visit Isla de la Plata, Los Frailes National Park or make friends in nearby Montañita.

Puerto López is originally a small fishing village, but is also known as one of the best surf spots on the Pacific Ocean.