Soccer in the Stadium

Soccer in Iquitos is a BIG deal. Before kids can take their first steps, or even utter their first words, they are somehow learning to play soccer. We decided to take 16 of the local guys out here in Santo Tomas to play soccer in the stadium (we found out that you can rent the entire stadium for one hour, for $30). A lot of the guys have grown up watching professional soccer in the stadium, but never dreamed of actually playing there themselves.

The guys were so excited on the way out to the stadium. We borrowed the organizations truck, and crammed everyone (17 people –Peruvian style) in it. They were singing the whole way there. It was amazing to see their faces, see them play, and hear their enthusiasm. It was a little weird playing on a field that didn’t have random mud pits and craters, but we quickly became accustomed (the field was actually made of turf and beautiful). The guys had an amazing time, and look forward to when we can do this again. Now everyone wants to go!