MEXICO

YOUNG COACH EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Mexico has been facing increasing numbers of refugees coming from central American countries. Hundreds of thousands of women, men and minors from El Salvador, Nicaragua or Guatemala flee extreme violence associated with gangs and drug trafficking, poverty, government instability or persecution due to their sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTI individuals). Unable to secure their and their children’s survival in their violent countries, they start migrating to reach a better life in other countries up north. On their way, many will cross one of Mexico’s southern borders.

After the strenuous journey many families decide to stay in the very poor southern Mexican states. The increasing influx of refugees and asylum seekers puts a strain on the local communities where resources are already scarce. Some Mexicans are open to help and receive migrants, others don’t want them in their country. While the readiness to help decreases, the xenophobia and social tensions increase in Mexican communities hosting refugees.

The Football Club Social Alliance wanted to reduce the potential of conflicts and support refugee and local children living in conflict prone communities. In cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Refugee Education Trust (RET), the FCSA educated 41 young adults to become children’s football coaches and mentors. These Young Coaches have the task to use football and educational games as a pedagogical tool to increase social values such as acceptance and tolerance amongst children. By offering friendly encounters of Mexican and refugee children, they promote the peaceful coexistence and further the integration of refugee children.