PeacePassers would like to thank Jenn Hamilton and her family for their support in El Salvador. Jenn lives in El Salvador and is currently working with children and adolescents at risk of street violence, gang involvement, and extreme poverty through the sport of soccer. At this time the program has a participating population of 50-70 boys and girls who she coaches along with volunteers from the local community. Their goal is to use the sport of soccer as a safe haven and form of expression for children who are constantly reminded of the circumstances they come from. They train in a field cleared by hand, using bamboo sticks as goal posts, a majority of the athletes train in bare feet, but the passion for the sport and for change has known no boundaries with the children and youth. Now instead of joining the notorious MS-13 gang, the youth of the area have turned their energies into something constructive. The locals involved in this program train to participate in the INDES soccer tournaments of El Salvador.

Also as a first of the area, Jenn is encouraging girls to join the program, and is one of the only teams in the city who offers coaching to female athletes. Coop and Deck had the opportunity to support these efforts by donating much needed soccer gear to this organization. They also were able to engage with the locals and help run a practice.

“I am so proud of the (the U-13 team) as they wore the uniforms you guys donated. All the cleats were also used, so thank you so very much for stopping by and helping out. The children here felt really special and cared for during the practice and they wanted me to tell you that.” –