My

Story

Marilay

My name is Marilay, and due to economic difficulties, I migrated from Venezuela to Ecuador. Leaving everything behind and starting from scratch surely wasn’t easy, especially for my son, to whom I want to provide possibilities in life. Soon, I was able to work with children, training them in sports just as I did back in Venezuela.

In the course of my work, we focused mainly on resilience, which for me is like working on myself. While conducting workshops, I was reliving what I went through when I left my country, which helped me to process what I was feeling and living at the time as a migrant. These workshops created a mutual support network between the children and me and taught us resilience, which is essential in overcoming sadness and pain, transforming it into hope. That’s when I realised how sports could help me to overcome obstacles and become stronger.

I work in vulnerable communities in the northern and southern neighbourhoods of Quito with both migrant families and the host community. I try to support them by portraying how sports can be a well of tools. Those who draw from it find support, stability and emotional healing the latter being a crucial aspect, considering what many have lived through. In addition, there is even a lot of internal displacement going on, from the coastal areas towards Quito and the surrounding areas, as a result of gang-related violence. Many of the displaced people don’t even possess documentation, which exacerbates their situation. But when migrants, internal or external, hear that I am Venezuelan, they already feel understood. They know I can comprehend what they are going through, which gives them security.

When I first heard about the Young Coach Education, I was really impressed. It combines sports with human development and peacebuilding, the exact elements which helped me getting over difficult times. On top of that we get the chance to learn directly from coaches of European professional clubs. I couldn’t believe it when I got accepted, I was full of joy. Graduating as a Young Coach means a lot to me, as it facilitates reaching vulnerable communities all over the country. The idea of sharing my knowledge with others and not keeping it to myself makes it even more unique. The ones we teach become Peer Young Coaches themselves and can spread their experiences even further. Especially young girls who are underrepresented in football become role models for other girls and women, transforming society into a more equal one.

This project has a huge impact as we can transform children’s lives through activities and games with a clear purpose. Football is more than a simple recreational activity. If it affects me so positively, I can’t even imagine the impact on children. I have also learnt that I cannot save the world by myself. So, I tell people: “If I can support you, then you can support others”. It’s about sharing responsibility. Considering all the problems we are facing; it isn’t always easy. Nevertheless, one game can make the world with its difficulties disappear for a moment, like a golden hour. During these moments, everyone feels heard, safe, part of a team and part of a network.