mi futuro hoy
Stories
Pastor Padilla Thanks Everyone
July 23, 2012By Daniel Wyatt
In the following video, Pastor Padilla thanks everyone who has donated to One By One to make this dream a reality. He also talks about the progress that has already been made and that has changed the lives of many teens.
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Where We Are Going And Where We Came From
June 11, 2012By: Daniel Wyatt
It all started as one idea on a field with no players and no teams and no screaming, supportive fans. But the place where this idea will end up will include all of that and more. One by One started its attempt to form soccer teams in Costa Rica by having a fundraiser at our house during the Summer of 2011. This fundraiser was a success in many ways -- in the money that we raised and, more importantly, in how we were able to get the word about the program out there. It was a small step in a large journey of helping teens in San Jose.
We knew that the next step necessary for getting what we needed for the program was to get equipment. We went to organizations such as The North Mecklenburg Soccer Club and got equipment donations from them and from people who had seen the website, and we soon had enough equipment (soccer balls, shorts, shoes) to send down to Costa Rica. We sent donations that totaled six thousand dollars and the equipment in August of 2011, and the hope was to have 44 players (two teams of twenty two) participating, but 64 boys showed up and Pastor Padilla included them all! Now, the One by One soccer program has over 100 teens with boys and girls teams, and with coaches and trainers from Vuelo de Aguila.
The program is growing exponentially, and so we are now trying to find a way to fund the program in an efficient and permanent way. Some of the ideas include buying a field to practice on and to rent out (to provide a permanent source of funding) or acquiring other land. Right now our immediate goal is to continue to fund the soccer teams, to find funds to acquire land (which will cost several hundred thousand dollars), and to send down more equipment (especially shoes) for the players. Thank you for all your support that has made this program a huge and immediate success!
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Spring Break Trip – The Soccer Games We Saw- March 2012
April 10, 2012By: Daniel Wyatt
The third time that we went to Costa Rica, Alex's whole family joined me and my family. When we arrived in San Jose, we were greeted by Pastor Padilla as usual, but this time he had a large blue bus for us to travel in. This was exciting and when we arrived at the Padilla home, they had the delicious meal we always have when we arrive in Costa Rica: creamed chicken, vegetables and rice. After dinner, we all talked with the Padillas about the soccer program and what we could do, and we came up with some good ideas, like trying to buy a piece of land to use as a practice field. It could be rented out in order to provide a permanent source of revenue for the program. We also talked about what was going to happen the next day, which was that we were going to see the One by One teams play. We were all excited about the opportunity, and the next day that was all that I could think about as we were riding around and visiting various churches that Pastor Padilla had in San Jose.
Before the games, we were brought into a tunnel with all of the players, and to see and meet all the boys who we were helping was very gratifying. All of us (the families and teams) were simultaneously clapping for each other, and that moment would be imprinted in the minds of all who were there for a very long time. The players were clapping to thank us for supporting them, and we were clapping for them and for what each player had achieved.
The introductions of the players built up the suspense of the games, and when the games actually started, everyone was ready to begin. The games started with the younger boys, and they were undersized compared to the Saprisas (the opposing team), but had massive amounts of heart and hustle, complemented with discipline and teamwork. Even though they fell short, it was an amazing game to watch. The older players were next, and they really knew what they were doing. The skill level that was shown was equivalent to college level in America. The jukes and speed impressed us tremendously, but so did the team work that was displayed. This team ended up winning 4 to 1 against a team that is known for being one of the best teams in San Jose.
It was a magical night that ended with us playing pick-up soccer with members of the Vuelo de Aguila church after the games, and all in all was one of the most memorable nights ever.
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Over 80 Teens Participating!
January 6, 2012By Alex Lee
Additional funds are sent to Pastor Padilla to rent soccer fields through April. Over 80 teens are now participating in the soccer league and a number are attending Vuelo de Aguila and receiving help with their lives. More teens want to participate but there is no room.
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Letter From Pastor Padilla
January 2, 2012By Daniel Wyatt
Pastor Padilla sent us a letter describing the soccer program. He reports the following:
Daniel and Alex:
We paused the league over Christmas. We start training again in the second week of January. When you come and visit in March, you will be able to see the fruit of the creation of this program. Some of the young men still consume drugs, but through the faith of God and this program, we feel that we will help them, over time, get them out of this life of perdition. Some of the kids are still distrustful and fearful, but through the program and the counseling/mentoring, we are gaining their friendship. We also gain great appreciation from their parents for the help we are bringing to their children.
With this I say goodbye, giving much appreciation for making this project which is giving support and hope to these young lives. I also want to thank all those who have given economically to make this dream come true. I wish you blessings and great success in your studies in 2012.
Sincerely,
Pastor Padilla Diaz
San Jose, Costa Rica
More Equipment Donations Received
October 15, 2011By Daniel Wyatt
Unsolicited Equipment Donation Received!
September 12, 2011By Daniel Wyatt
Mitch Arnold
I received an unsolicited package with soccer balls, a pump and other equipment from Peace is the Goal, an organization started by 18 year old Mitch Arnold, a high school student in Wisconsin. What a surprise!
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Vuelo de Aguila Opens Soccer League
September 6, 2011By Alex Lee
Vuelo de Aguila opens its soccer league. There is an initial meeting with teens and they sign up for regular practices. Pastor Padilla lets them know the commitment required of them. Over 64 teens show up.
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