By: Samuel Winter, PC Fall ‘25
When I first arrived in Shandia, I felt lost. Slowly, I met some people from the community as I walked around; however, with my little spanish ability, it was difficult to really connect with them. One day, I decided to go to the neighbors who I had met before. I asked if they knew if people played soccer at the field nearby. He said no, but they play a similar game called indor at another field. I went with him away from the town to a very small dirt field, or cancha as they call it, feeling a little nervous at what to expect. We arrived, I greeted the people there, and after a few jokes about the ‘gringo’, we started playing. I came to learn that the rules are slightly different, with 5/6 a side, and a smaller and much harder ball than a normal soccer ball, which did hit me in the face on my second touch of the ball (and hurt a lot haha). However, the game went well and, although I didn’t talk much, I felt more connected through playing with the people here.
Since then, I have gone almost every weekend to play with those neighbors and others in canchas all around the community and the surrounding communities, some of which have gorgeous views of the Jatunyacu River. I have formed friendships and slowly but surely improved my Spanish. Other people from the communities come to watch, and so I meet a lot of new people through it, as well. Even one time the host family I stayed with came to watch (and play), and I scored 4 goals that day!
Furthermore, through playing with some of the teenagers and younger kids in Shandia in the evenings after working I have created bonds, even if we don’t converse so much. Playing sports here also motivated me to help develop a Youth Club that we have started with the Shandia Health Center. In the club, we play different sports like basketball, soccer, alongside chats about mental, physical, and sexual health. By playing sports with kids in the community, I hope to continue to build trust, increase attendance at the Youth Club, and encourage students to be open to the healthy habits advice we give.
Now when I see someone in the community who I have played a sport with, they come and say hi to me. Even though sometimes I don’t know their name, I say hi back and feel more welcomed. Through sport, I have felt more comfortable and integrated in Shandia and Talag. I am extremely grateful to sport for allowing me to do something I enjoy, while also connecting with the people here!
A pick-up soccer game near Shandia.