Changing Lives

By: Alex

On our most recent trip, eight boys from One by One were baptized in the church. There were many others from the church who were baptized that day as well. The church staff had a large pool set up in the parking lot for the baptisms. It was awesome to see the emotions of those who were baptized because in a sense they were leaving their pasts behind them to start anew.   For some it meant so much that they were visibly shaking when they were taken out of the pool. The baptisms of the boys were very inspiring as they showed us that the project is making substantial differences in lives.
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A Spark Of Enthusiasm

By: Ben, Alex, and Daniel

During spring break, the Wyatt and Lee families took their fourth trip to Costa Rica. This trip brought new ideas and a spark of enthusiasm about the future of One By One. Not only were the players in the soccer league playing games while we were down there, but Pastor Padilla also took us to look at different pieces of land that could be used for a soccer field. The purchase of land is an exciting step that the One By One family is taking, and looking for land with Pastor Padilla generated even more enthusiasm for the project.

The future was not the only thought that was on our mind because amazing things were happening during the trip as well. Eight teenagers from the soccer league decided to get baptized in the Vuelo de Aguila Church, alongside the Wyatt and Lee families. This experience is a validation that not only is One By One having an affect on the teens, but that this change is a positive one that will affect them for the rest of their lives.  This trip leaves us grateful for what is being done in the soccer league in the present, and very hopeful about the future of One By One.
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Posted in Updates.

One by One Costa Rica June 2013 Update

Posted in Updates, Video.

One by One Costa Rica, Pastor Padilla June 2013

Posted in Updates, Video.

100 For 1000 Capital Campaign

By: Daniel Wyatt, Ben Wyatt and Alex Lee



One By One has been successful over the past two years in raising money and  gathering equipment for three boys and one girls soccer teams in San Jose.  Our next goal is to buy land for a soccer field in San Jose, so that the teams can play and practice on this field (rent free), and can also rent it out to other teams to provide rental income.  Other facilities may also be built on this site, which can be rented out to provide for even more rental income.  In this way, One By One can have a permanent source of funding, rather than rely on yearly fundraising efforts.

The land will cost several hundred thousand dollars.  Dr. Steve Scott, a supporter of One By One, has recently presented us with a great opportunity.  If we raise $100,000.00 within 12 months, he will donate another $100,000.00.  This is a lot of money for us, but we spoke with Mayor John Woods of Davidson, who has been a great supporter of One By One for several years now, and he suggested that we get 100 people to donate $1,000.00 each to raise this money.  He called it the  "100 for 1000" program.  He also gave us the first $1,000.00 donation (please see attached article in  DavidsonNews.Net at http://davidsonnews.net/blog/2012/09/13/up-close-at-the-dnc-fundraising-and-garden-club/#more-65297).

So we are off and running with this great project.  Please consider helping us out if you can by spreading the word about this project or even being one of the 100!
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Posted in Updates.

One By One Featured In Young Achiever’s Section Of The Charlotte Observer

By: Daniel Wyatt



One By One was recently featured in the Young Achiever's section of the Charlotte Observer.  Please check it out!

[Pastor]Padilla took the teens to a soccer field in central San Jose, . . . That moment helped solidify the idea of creating a soccer league to mentor youth living in poverty-stricken areas. Working with Padilla, Daniel and Alex (both juniors at Concord's Cannon School) and Daniel's brother, freshman Ben Wyatt, started One by One Costa Rica.

"(The league) gives us the opportunity to teach the [players] the principles of life," Padilla said in a blog video. "We are looking forward to the upcoming season."

The teens hope to one day purchase a field, which they say may cost up to $1 million. A donor recently agreed to give $100,000 if the teens can match that donation within the year.

Posted in Updates.

Thanks To Omega Sports

By: Daniel Wyatt



One by One would like to thank Omega Sports for running a promotion in July where customers received a discount on soccer shoes if they turned in their old shoes when purchasing new ones.  Omega then donated these lightly used shoes to several worthy causes, including One By One Costa Rica.  Sam Vidal, who coordinated this effort at Omega after meeting with us, not only had the Omega store in Huntersville do this, but three other Omega stores in Charlotte as well.  One by One is very thankful for the shoes we received, and they will be put to very good use in Costa Rica.
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Posted in Updates.

Our First Girls Team

By:  Daniel Wyatt

Our first girls team was formed this year and has begun practicing and playing under the mentorship of the Vuelo de Aguila staff.  The players are very excited about this opportunity and are working hard.   There are now four Vuelo de Aguila teams three boys teams and one girls team.  The players range in age from 12 to 18 years old.


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Posted in Updates.

Thank You To Our Donors

By Daniel Wyatt 

We would like to thank all of the people and companies who have donated so generously to One By One since we began this project. In less than a year, we have been able to form three boys teams and one girls team. Our teams have been very successful in winning games, but the real success is in the changes that occur in the players' lives. Pastor Padilla and his team have provided mentoring and advice to the players on a weekly basis and several have already joined the Vuelo de Aguila churches. Thanks to everyone listed below who has generously donated to this project.

Posted in Updates.

Fundraising Gathering

By Daniel Wyatt 

On July 20, 2012 we had a fundraiser at our house. Over 80 people attended, and we all had a great time. In addition to donations, we received over 50 pairs of soccer cleats and other equipment. We will also be gathering more cleats with a partnership with Omega Sports.



We now have enough funds to operate the league for the next year. We are going to focus on our next goal, which is raising enough money to buy a field to support the project and use for the league.


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Posted in Updates.