The Brazil team from São Paulo has been created, with some hard work both on and off the pitch. Our squad, ‘Time do Brasil’, have so far had 30 hours of football training and 70 hours of workshops helping them to consider all the aspects of their ‘Life on the Streets’, reviewing what made them turn to the streets through to who helped them to leave and seek a different future.

Introducing the team:
The team has completed most of the preparations needed to be able to fully participate in the Street Child World Cup and the conference. They have already started to communicate their stories and raise their voices in Brazil.Our press launch which was held at the contemporary arts space, Escola São Paulo on February 9th, was a great success, with an array of media there. The major newspapers and radio stations were eager to finally meet the team that will represent Brazil in the first ever Street Child World Cup.

(Names left to right) Standing: Rogéria, Rodrigo, David, Alexandre, Eduardo and Vincente Kneeling: Carlos, Washigton, Douglas and Josilene

Every single player in our team has their own story to tell, and in some cases, histories that they still find difficult to come to terms with. Of the team, some have lived in the streets as infants, whilst others ran away from violent homes and have siblings who did not survive . They have all witnessed violence against themselves and others and all but one child in this group now live in shelters on a permanent basis.

Through their long term contact with Project Quixote, they have all taken the steps needed to come to terms with their past and continue to seek a better future. Their lives are now stable and hopeful, and through the SCWC they have an opportunity to use their spirit to inspire others with what they have overcome. They are all in school now except for the youngest team member who is still waiting for a place and they are all excited about representing their country and children who have lived similar lives to them in South Africa. They are more articulate about their lives and experiences and aim to explain the things they would wish for the thousands of other children who face a deeply challenging reality. This team will raise their voices to represent their peers in Durban in March and throughout this project.

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