El Shaddai Academy | Punta Gorda, Belize
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INSIDE PEEK AT PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE
Belize is a small country located in Central America between Mexico and Guatemala. According to UNICEF, approximately 58% of Belizean youth are classified as multidimensionally poor. It is estimated that only 24% of children are raised with the support of a father and Belize is often referred to as a “Fatherless Nation.”
Children are required to attend primary school, but only 63% of girls and 57% of boys will go on to attend high school. The Toledo District, also known as the Forgotten District, is the most southern district in Belize. With few tourists visiting this area, the job outlook is bleak. These factors together increase the risk of youth becoming involved in the ever present gang activity and drug related crime with its allure of belonging and an escape from poverty.
THE BEGINNINGS
The soccer club in Punta Gorda began in early 2023 when BPS was connected to Fredric and his wife Suzanne. Fredric is a native of PG and is passionate about seeing the youth in his community have opportunities to flourish. Fredric is a respected member of the local community and was able to quickly bring together a group of about a dozen other older soccer players and community members willing to work together to make a soccer club for the youth in PG a reality.
THE IMPACT
Through the hard work and dedication of Frederic and his team, within only a few short months, over 100 youth have found a place to belong and thrive within this soccer club. Players range in age from 5 to young adults, and as word gets out about this opportunity more and more youth are seeking to get involved every week. Within this club not only are players being trained to become excellent at soccer, they are also being taught life values like respect and responsibility. Even more importantly, players find not only a team but a family and a place to belong within this academy.
THE HEAD COACH
Fredric and his wife, Suzanne, have four children. Their home often doubles as a hangout for young players at the club and a destination for team meals and get-togethers. The respect and love for Fredric and his family within PG is evident as he can hardly walk down the street without a friendly greeting or conversation with one of his neighbors. It is an honor to work with someone like Fredric with his natural leadership ability and true passion for the people around him.
