Finding their field of dreams

Two countries with different cultures, languages and landscapes are their homes. Honduras and Madagascar are nearly 10,000 miles apart, but two young adults participating with Unbound in their countries share more in common than they could know, and it all starts with their dedication to the sport of soccer.

Seventeen-year-old Sara wakes up at 5 every morning to begin her training, running with her father or peers through the humid Honduran heat. Later that morning, she rides the bus to a local university where she’s studying to become an English teacher. After a busy week of conditioning her mind and body, she spends her weekends as an assistant referee for soccer matches.

In Madagascar, 22-year-old Nantenaina spends his mornings walking 40 minutes to college or biking 25. He takes business management classes and is striving to own his own accounting firm one day. After school, he hurries to soccer practice for his local club team. Between studying for his degree during the week and playing in tournaments on the weekends, Nantenaina also coaches a youth soccer team.

Sara and Nantenaina bring different perspectives to the sport they love. While they hold different roles on the field, they have similar values surrounding discipline and leadership that make them both role models in their communities.

Investing in an empowered future

Sara has always been passionate about soccer, and she played briefly when she was younger. But when she was 14, her passion turned into purpose of another kind.

“The first time I wanted to be a referee was when I was with my father watching a soccer match on TV. [There was] a female referee officiating, and it caught my attention,” she said.

This moment inspired Sara to begin referee school. Classes cover the complex rules of soccer and require passing rigorous fitness tests. Her commitment to early morning workouts and a deep understanding of the game have made her a top referee in the area.

Sara’s role as assistant referee includes tasks like marking offsides, monitoring throw-ins and helping the referee with foul calls. Over the last three years, she’s been responsible for officiating over 30 matches across different levels and leagues.

Sara said she’s experienced discrimination being a female referee but manages unruly crowds by staying composed and focused on the task at hand. In a field dominated by men, she said, “[I want] to show that women are capable of performing in any area if we put in the effort.”

Being one of the few female referees in her area, Sara’s devotion to soccer inspires other young women in her community to dedicate themselves to their passions.

In the future, Sara hopes to become an English teacher alongside becoming a professional referee. She believes her English skills will give her opportunities to work for leagues around the world.

“To everyone who has different dreams, never be discouraged, never believe that you won't be able to achieve your goals, because there is never a 'no' for any of them," Sara said. "If you work hard, you can make it happen.”

Scoring a better outcome

As a sponsored youth through Unbound, Sara utilizes funds for study materials for her education, refereeing equipment and personal needs. Participating with Unbound has also developed her soft skills, like learning how to save money for future needs and applying techniques on studying effectively.

Planning for her future, Sara said she dreams of assisting her parents one day, giving back to her biggest supporters.

“I dream that in the future they can be at home, at peace, and I can help them with everything, so they lack nothing.”

Mentorship enables lessons from leading

Across the world in Madagascar, Nantenaina studies business management in college and hopes to become an entrepreneur one day. The leadership skills he possesses now serve as a foundation for his future dreams.

As both a sponsored youth and Unbound scholarship student, Nantenaina expertly balances his commitment to academics, athletics and giving back to his community. His role as a youth soccer coach brings his passions together, making him a pillar in his town.

“I want to help them avoid bad behavior and influences,” he said about the children he coaches. “The goal is not just physical fitness. I want to help them to focus on their studies and being a good person, to become role models in the community.”

Nantenaina was inspired to coach because he wanted to encourage children to find ambition within themselves. He said being a mentor has even helped him learn discipline and dedication, making him a better person and student.

He said he feels grateful to help so many young people, adding, “Fewer children are getting into trouble, and I am happy to play a part in this change in my community.”

While challenging himself in academics and leadership, Nantenaina plays soccer for a club team. With big goals in business, he also dreams of becoming a professional player in Madagascar.

With four siblings, sponsorship has helped Nantenaina stay in school without interruption. He uses support to fund basic essentials, education and his soccer career.

Unbound sponsorship helps young people chart their paths out of poverty while realizing their dreams and potential. For Sara and Nantenaina, that means developing their physical and mental abilities through soccer, becoming positive roles models for children in their communities and helping their own families who have sacrificed so much for them.

Unbound Regional Reporters Josue Sermeño in El Salvador and Nickson Ateku in Africa contributed information and photos for this story.