At the El Buen Samaritano family life center here in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, we now have a soccer court! With that, a simple but powerful question arose: What if we formed a women’s soccer team?

The women who brought this idea to life are Samaritan scholars, students, mothers, entrepreneurs, and part-time workers. Women with multiple responsibilities, but with something in common: a passion for soccer and a desire to take care of themselves.

Nayeli, a scholar, young mother, and a midfielder for the team, shared, “For years I kept telling myself that it was too late for soccer. But every time I listened to a game on the radio while I was cooking, something inside me felt different. The sound of the ball reminded me of who I was before I became a mom.”

In many communities here in Honduras, the idea persists that once a woman becomes a mother, her dreams must be put on hold. However, we firmly believe that family well-being is also built when women have spaces to grow, express themselves, and reconnect with what they love.

Jazmín, the mother of one of our Samaritan scholars, Yunari, is on the team. In her youth, she was part of a soccer team, but with marriage and new responsibilities, she left that passion behind. She never imagined playing again. At first, she felt embarrassed, but after watching other women train day after day, she decided to give it a try. Today, she is one of the team’s main forwards and a source of inspiration for many of us.

Soccer, for us, is a support network. 

For most of our team members, the day begins early with household chores: preparing food, taking the children to school, cleaning, organizing, and caring for others. But at 4:30 p.m. every day, we meet at the court for training. During that time, it’s all about the ball and strategy.

Upon returning home, the family day continues. The difference is that now we have made a conscious decision: I also deserve this time for myself.

Because being a housewife doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams. Because playing is also an act of courage. And because every goal, on and off the field, deserves to be celebrated.

Books open doors to understanding the world.

Marege’s journey from growing up near a garbage dump to becoming a scholar reminds young readers that their circumstances do not define their future.

Celebrate National Reading Month this March with stories that inspire courage and compassion. Find your next read: intsam.org/books.

Learn more or order your copy at intsam.org/books.

Maritza Peralta, Family Life Center Coordinator, Honduras

Maritza graduated with training in Computer Administration, as an Instructor in Computing, and in preschool education. She is a leader and the board president in her community. Since the Step-by-step scholarship program began in Tegucigalpa, she has been working with children, tutoring them in Spanish, Technology, and Math. She is passionate about serving others and working with children and youth.