Preparing the next generation of Football Conservationists

If asked what the status of structured football is in the Toledo District, everyone would unanimously respond that had it not been for TIDE, there would not have been any football taking place.  Over the past three years the Freshwater Cup has become a household name in Punta Gorda and the communities buffering the protected areas that TIDE manages.

Big Falls- Onesimo Cholom

This is the third year of implementing a programme which links sports with environmental conservation.  The various football clubs taking part in the Freshwater Cup Football competition have designed environmental projects which range from proper solid waste disposal in some communities, river, beach, and coastal clean up campaigns in other areas, to environmental awareness educational presentations in the schools.

A programme which uses sporting activities to engage community members and make them more environmentally conscious has many benefits that we at TIDE can capitalize on.  By conducting their environmental projects, the participants spread information on endangered species, rules and regulations for protected areas, as well as benefits of having a clean healthy environment for all in which to live.

The vision for our sports-linked conservation programme is that in the long run, skill in different sporting disciplines like basket ball and volley ball in addition to football can be developed in young boys and girls while they become custodians of their environment and the natural resources.         

A new development has been taking place with the TIDE Freshwater Cup is that we now have a Junior League of players between the ages of ten to twelve.  These young conservationists, as we would like to refer to them, are now participating in environmental awareness programs in their homes, schools and community centers while the enjoy coming out on the weekends for friendly rivalry and brag about who can score the most goals.

Presently there are six teams of young boys taking part in the Junior League and so far the support received from the parents and fans who turn up at the Toledo Union Field to cheer on the children have been very encouraging.  In the next Freshwater Cup season the idea is to focus on those same youngsters and to include young girls as well in the competition.   

We are also grateful to the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) and the Meso-American Barrier Reef Systems (MBRS) for their kind donations which have been used to assist with the logistics of putting the Junior League together.  We would like our donors and sponsors to know that we appreciate the support we receive from them and that without their support and that of our partners who have contributed to the Freshwater Cup we would not be able to give one hundred and fifty young boys the opportunity to display their talent and sporting skills. 

To help TIDE continue activities such as the Freshwater Cup and to promote its sports linked conservation programmes, please visit our home page, sign up to become a member, and read more about our work. Together we can prepare the next generation of skilled sports persons who will hopefully represent Belize at international sporting events like the Olympics and Football World Cup.