Hotes Foundation Haiti Volunteers Form Women’s Soccer League
Hotes Foundation volunteers were in Haiti last week to form a Haitian women's soccer league! Over 100 women, ranging from 12-years-old to 50, turned out for three days of tryouts, rigorous drills, and scrimmaging lead by Hotes Foundation intern, Alex Arciniega, and Haitian men’s national team player, JuniorErves, who generously donated his time. Enthusiasm was high as the village men cheered on their wives, sisters, and daughters dribbling through cones, heading crosses, and taking penalty kicks under the hot Haitian sun. Divided into six teams, league play starts next month when the Hotes Foundation returns to bring the women their brand new cleats, shin guards, and official team jerseys.
Empowering women around the world is important to the Hotes Foundation. In Haiti, women are marginalized and discriminated against, and this new league will be a step forward in bringing a sense of community, teamwork, and dignity—not to mention fun—into their lives. “After this training we hope to play the men and we hope to beat them,” said Lukendia Dor, one of the women players. Judging by the competitiveness and hard work of the women, the men will definitely face strong competition!
