A simple soccer ball brings joy

A huge soccer field located in the middle of the rural community of Ciudad Barrrios in Morazán, El Salvador is the only recreational area for dozens of boys and girls who happily run there to have fun after school.

The favourite sport of children is soccer but when 20 boys get together and have just one ball, it gets difficult. “We have to take turns to play but when the turn comes to one, the recess time is over. We all like soccer, but we only have a plastic ball the teacher bought,” says Balmore, a 12-year-old student.

In February, thanks to Canadian sponsors, World Vision delivered 10 soccer balls to Balmore´s school. Boys and girls opened their eyes and laughed excited. They now have a ball per grade to use it in physical education class and during school recess. “Balls are my favourite toy. I like to play in the field. They (parents) do not buy me a ball at home because they are expensive and the one World Vision brought us is a professional one, it is very nice; the foot does not hurt when you hit it,” says Balmore excited. 

Arely Zelaya, the teacher of the small school adds: “I am the teacher of a community holistic development centre of World Vision and sometimes I help children from the first to third grades. I am very happy with this donation because the families here are very poor and they cannot invest in toys for their sons and daughters. They can enjoy now and affirm their right to recreation.” 

When balls were delivered, boys and girls immediately formed teams and ran to the soccer field. Gloria Lovos, a 7-year-old soccer player, shows great skills although she says she is not a good goalscorer. “I only like to run and mark the boys,” she says. 

“As teacher and leader of this community I want to thank the donors of the balls and tell them that children are excited and that they already committed to take care of them and keep them in their classrooms so they can last a long time. This ball means fun and joy,” adds Arely. 

World Vision and Montaña de Fe Programme of Ciudad Barrios in Morazán donated 96 soccer balls and 8 air pumps at a total cost of US$ 249.60. 

When children play, they learn how to relate to others, and develop community life. Play can promote creativity and it is important in the life of children as it is food, protection, love, and all the child´s rights. Physical activity is also a key component of the emotional, social, and moral development of a child. 

It is exciting to see how boys and girls run, have fun, shout, and even push each other to get the ball. At the end of the game, with smiles, sun and sweat, children return the balls to the teacher and wait for the next game at school.