Almost four years after that first step, the project has had a positive response from the Achuar communities, who have organised to have a football school and give children and older youth an alternative to use their free time well. Currently 7 football schools are active: in Wichimi, Patukme, Wasakentsa, Sapapentsa, Karakam, Wampuik and Wachirpas, and the number of participants has increased from 80 to over 700.
The football schools, which bear the name that the Achuar gave to the Salesian missionary and today Servant of God Fr Luis (Luigi) Bolla, have come about with a purpose: to be a developmental alternative for Achuar children and young people. In addition to encouraging the practice of sport and growth in sports skills, they contribute to the education and evangelisation of a population that loves football.
"Through football, which is so important in the life of the Achuar population, children learn values such as respect, discipline, responsibility and teamwork. But it is also a way for young people to meet God" says Fr Togo, who organises opportunities for prayer, confessions and celebrations when he has the chance to be with them physically in the schools.
In recent months, to strengthen the bonds of fraternity between Achuar communities, football leagues have been organised in the under 12 category. Football matches are organised in these meetings and, at the end of the day, there is time for prayer to allow the participants and their families to strengthen their spiritual bond with God through the Eucharist or Reconciliation.
The operation of the schools is made possible thanks to the collaboration of the "monitors", people from the community itself who voluntarily conduct everything related to the training sessions, and are responsible for the care of the equipment provided by national Salesian mission and foreign support, such as support from the Salesian Mission Office at New Rochelle, in the United States.
Thanks to this support, the monitors also have mobile phones or tablets to keep in regular contact with Fr Tono, to plan and evaluate activities. Similarly, technology has enabled the exchange of up-to-date knowledge on sports training methods.
The monitors prepare and train with the aim that children and young adults learn something new every day. And it is important to emphasise that these people enjoy the support of their communities, as they represent a positive witness within them.
Fr Togo argues that there are several projects for the future of schools. One of these is to obtain technical training in football for monitors, through an agreement with the course of Pedagogy of Physical Activity and Sport at the Salesian Polytechnic University, so that they can also enjoy this academic support.
A second challenge is to establish links with football teams or schools in other provinces of the country, so that minors can test their skills. "They also dream of becoming great players, of playing in the national team, and even here there is talent, skill and technique. My dream would be to be able to have a national team of the Achuar people and participate in championships in other cities around the country."
Cristian Calderón
Salesian Office of Communication
