The Soccer School serves as a safe shelter for children of La Arcadia, a neighborhood in the South of Quito. All children from the age group of 6 – 17 are welcome, no matter their gender, social background or economic situation. Although the name Soccer School (in Spanish: Escuela de Fútbol) suggests that the school is only meant for playing soccer, we also want to introduce other sports like handball, athletics and frisbee to the children.

The group, which contains about 70 children, is divided in several recreational groups and one performance group. While having fun is the most important goal in all the groups, at the recreational groups the focus is on ‘learning as you play’, and at the performance group the focus is on technique, tactics, condition and discipline. For all groups applies that we value norms and values such as respect, working together and discipline. That is, in our opinion, much more important than educating new Messi’s. By moving, having fun and learning how to play in a team we try to prevent children and teenagers to resort to alcohol, drugs and criminality, which unfortunately are structural problems in the predominantly poor neighborhoods in South Quito.

Mission

Within the Soccer School project we want to offer the children of La Arcadia and surrounding areas the possibility to education, movement and fun in a safe environment. The element of practicing soccer on a top- (professional) level is not the central element, while the stimulation and development of the children in areas such as self-confidence and taking initiative, and teaching and developing norms and values such as respect, discipline and cooperation are important.

Vision

By offering education through sports and movement at the Soccer School, Local Dreamers hopes to add to the personal and social development of children in vulnerable neighbourhoods in South Quito. Above all, through sport and play we aim to offer an alternative to the abuse of alcohol and drugs, and criminal behaviour which are some of the – addictive – problems that occur (too) much in these neighbourhoods.

At the Soccer School, you can take the role of manager/project coordinator or as a trainer. You will work on the following tasks:

• Prepare and give soccer training in a challenging and structured manner;
  
• Introduce other sports like frisbee, handball or athletics;
  
• Safeguard the balance structure and progress of the project;
  
• Organize a soccer match against a youth team of a professional club on a monthly basis;
  
• Keep in touch with the kids´ parents, connect with them before or after trainings if necessary;
  
• Chair and prepare our monthly Soccer School team meetings;
  
• Actively involve yourself with the organization and the project: What is needed? What can be improved?;
  
• Encourage discipline, self-confidence and a proactive mentality;
  
• Create a safe and stimulating sport environment;
  
• Promote important values like respect and collaboration.
  

What can you expect from us?

As a foundation we already work in Ecuador for a long time. Our team in Quito consists of experienced and passionate coordinators, who know the country and city like the inside of their pocket. Our coordinators are available 24 hours a day, to accompany our volunteers with everything they run into during their stay in Ecuador. Local Dreamers is a very small-scale and personal foundation and we encourage volunteers to get the most out of their time in Ecuador. Everything is possible, even starting your own project, we are open to assist you in any way and are always open for new suggestions and ideas.

As you're going to assist in our sports projects, we expect you to bring some sporty clothes. We always appreciate some donations, think about clothes, pencils or notebooks.

What we expect from you?

As a volunteer we expect you to take a Spanish course, unless you already have a B-1 level in Spanish. You can choose between a Spanish Basic, Intensive or Specialist course. The costs of the Spanish course are not included in the above mentioned prices. Feel free to contact us and we will let you know.

Location

Our Soccer School is located in the south of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, in the neighborhood La Arcadia. Our central office is located in La Villaflora, a lively working-class district in the heart of Quito. La Villaflora can be seen as the gateway to the less developed south of the city. In addition, the district is also ten minutes away from the historical and tourist center. La Villaflora has best of both worlds, we are based close to our projects in the south of Quito but also close to the more modern center of the city. As a volunteer you will live in host families based around the La Villaflora neighborhood.

Our Soccer School is located in the La Arcadia district, a cozy working-class neighborhood that is slightly less developed than La Villaflora. Every day we depart together from our central office towards the projects in this district.

Make your decision

In order to make a well-considered decision, it is essential that you are well-informed by our organization. Our Volunteer Coordinator will inform you about everything you need to know. Via Skype, you can meet our team in Quito.

Get ready

Once you have chosen a project, it is important that you are well prepared before you travel. This is not only a welcome relief for you, but for your home front as well. Our team will help you to get ready for the adventure.

Onwards to Ecuador

In Ecuador you will be picked up at the airport by our Quito team; a special mix of Dutch and Ecuadorian professionals, on which you always can rely.

The working environment of Local Dreamers has been the source of special friendships more than once. This is because we tend to hang out and make fun together after work. You´ll get so familiar and close with your fellow volunteers that the ties you have built with them in Ecuador will often continue to exist when you return home.