Comunidad Connect inaugurated the San Juan del Sur Sports Park in 2007, thus beginning a new chapter for youth sports in the coastal fishing town of Southwest Nicaragua. CC introduced futsal and basketball leagues and hosted exhibition volleyball games, tournaments, and after-school activities. 11 years later, CC runs the municipal little league baseball program and has 500 young athletes in its youth development program, playing over 500 games a year. One family in particular who has become an integral piece of the puzzle in their community, and with Comunidad Connect.
Noelia Alvarez Sandino
“It’s more than just a sports park; its a secure place for kids”, says 28 year old Nohelia Sandino. She calls the “cancha” a “San Juan del Sur custom now”, spending most of her evenings strolling down to the Sports Park to join other families for a calm evening in the company of youth. She loves that parents come to watch their kids, and has seen the community grow closer and more engaged over the years. Having played in the soccer leagues herself, Nohelia feels the programs and presence of CC is an integral part of the city and to other communities where they work as well.
Guadalupe Sandino
“A super happy space full of value that has a great history and future,” is how Guadalupe Sandino describes the San Juan del Sur Sports Park. As the matriarch of a very active family, she gives thanks to CC for how the program has helped strengthen her husband and children. The moments they have spent together in different activities have created lasting memories and tightened family bonds. Attending matches daily has become so much a part of her life, such that “it is very disappointing when it rains and we can’t go the sports park!”
