Rodolfo Jesús Torres Solís (pictured left), known as Jesús, moved to Pucallpa with his family about a decade ago. Over the years, he built relationships with families in Valle de los Lirios, a community that includes Shipibo-Conibo families.

Football was already part of how Jesús and other local leaders connected with children and young people. They organized tournaments and created opportunities to play, but Jesús wanted something more consistent - a place where young people could keep coming back, build relationships, and grow.

As Jesús connected with Carlos Pino, TeamUp Peru Director, TeamUp began coming alongside the locally led work through training, encouragement, and partnership.

Carlos shared that four sports academies were initially launched as the work developed. Today, there are six active programs where children and young people gather for weekly sports training in and around Pucallpa.

What Consistency Can Mean

For 13-year-old Thiago, that consistency has made a difference.

His father, who had played football for a club, passed away when Thiago was five. When Thiago was 11, his mother became concerned about some of the influences around him and the direction he was heading. Looking for support, she reached out to Jesús and the local team.

Soon afterward, Thiago began attending football practices regularly. Over time, he built new friendships, developed trust with the leaders around him, and found a place where he felt safe and connected. His mother has also seen improvement at home and in school.

Football carries a personal meaning for Thiago because of his father. Today, he dreams of becoming an even better football player than his dad was.

Thiago's story is still being written, but it gives us a glimpse of why consistency matters: sport can open the door, while trusted relationships and local leaders create a place to keep coming back to.

The Story Behind the Festival