Inter Campus Paraguay, back in Cateura

ASUNCIÓN – The ball is not the only thing that punctuates afternoons in Cateura, the landfill where the waste of the entire city arrives. Indeed, there are also the trucks that go back and forth carrying rubbish, the cows that punctually cross the field at 5 p.m., the different groups that take turns in an orderly chaos where everyone knows how to behave.

The large pitch, lacking in grass, rests on rubbish that has accumulated over time, as is the case throughout the neighbourhood. When it rains, it is difficult to play because the water does not drain and the area floods quickly. Nevertheless, there are plenty of smiles during training sessions: all the children know what team they belong to, wait their turn and take to the field with enthusiasm and respect at the allocated time. Through the magic of football and the great work of the local coaches, activities take place in a cohesive manner and many children with attention disorders are able to be among peers and part of the Inter Campus project without any problems at all.

There are more than 100 youngsters involved almost every day: an (im)perfect machine that sparks the heart. Boys and girls together, on the sidelines from the age of five as they wait for the moment when they receive their own Inter shirt and officially become part of the Nerazzurri family. They will then we joined by many friends before becoming teenagers and accompanying their younger siblings.

It is a handover that bodes well for the future and provides a ringing endorsement of Inter Campus’ efforts.