Away from professional stadiums, bright lights, and manicured fields, there’s another side of soccer. Tucked away on alleys, side streets, and concrete courts, people play in improvised games. Every country has a different word for it. In the United States, we call it “pick-up soccer.” In Trinidad, it's "taking a sweat." In England, it's "having a kick-about." In Brazil, the word is “pelada,” which literally means "naked"—the game stripped down to its core. That’s a pretty good metaphor for the game. Like a basketball pickup game in the U.S., there are no real rules or refs or uniforms. Just a bunch of folks knocking the ball around anywhere there’s enough room to run.
“Street” soccer or football identifies a number of national and international organizations that highlight the skill, strategies and creativity of freestyle pelada players and teams. In many cases, the positive social effects of soccer team building, such as increased self-esteem, better learning skills, responsibility and other life skills become the mission behind the organizations. Street Soccer USA aims to end homelessness by providing opportunities that foster community through the sport. The International Street Soccer Association provides training for coaches who strive to encourage at-risk youth to exercise their creativity in play. Street Football World unites over 90 organizations in 60 countries that use soccer to help young people overcome challenges like poverty, discrimination and lack of education.
In Milagro's next production, the National New Play Network's Rolling World Premiere of Caridad Svich's new play Guapa, single-mom Roly lives in a dusty Texas border town that everyone longs to escape. She’s never seen anything like Guapa, a natural-born athlete with a fiery ambition to become an international soccer star. When Guapa joins Roly’s family, everyone’s life is turned upside down. With only one shot to reach the big leagues from the barrio, how can Guapa convince the non-believers to let go of their doubts, spread their wings and fly? This inspiring story will have you cheering in the aisles!
To request a complimentary copy of the full study guide, contact marketing@milagro.org.
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