Tenerife, a soccer team coached by Luis Alvarez in the Youth Soccer League of Antigua, Guatemala received a special gift from a highly motivated young adult, setting a new standard for Fair Trade in Action.

In Guatemala, youth teams struggle to get and maintain proper athletic gear to participate in club sports. The cost of balls alone can be daunting to non-profit clubs. Tenerife was just one of the teams struggling with this problem in the Antigua Youth Soccer League. The importance of sports in developing countries cannot be underestimated. Sports encourages confidence, team work and positive activities when kids are surrounded by negative influences and strife.

It was this motivation that drove a North American students named Koby to work tirelessly to procure a set of earth friendly certified Fair Trade soccer balls to take to Guatemala for the local teams. Koby didn't just supply any soccer balls - he chose Fair Trade. Because of his decision, he has benefitted not only Guatemalan children, but also the producers who make the products!

In addition, because Koby raised money for the balls from neighbors, friends, and other soccer parents, he was able to introduce those contributors to Fair Trade principals.

Koby traveled to Guatemala with his family to deliver the balls this past summer. As a result, teams in the Antigua youth soccer league have new equipment that promotes Fair Trade and economic justice. You can see Tenerife's newest team player, Koby, in the back row of this photo!