Empowering Girls Through Soccer, Education, and Leadership: The Story of Girls Soccer Worldwide
Empowering girls in the Bay Area and Paraguay is the mission of a Livermore-based nonprofit founded by Walter Pratte and Pamela Jacobsen. The couple's goal is to empower girls through soccer, education, and leadership. Pratte's promise made over 30 years ago during his time playing semi-pro soccer in Paraguay led to the creation of Girls Soccer Worldwide in 2017. The nonprofit provides opportunities for girls in Paraguay to play soccer, receive education, and develop life skills to break the cycle of poverty.
Girls Soccer Worldwide offers support such as food, school supplies, scholarships, and housing for girls in rural Paraguay. The nonprofit's ambassadors, including teenage girls from the Bay Area, raise funds to participate in a nine-day mission trip to Paraguay each year. Through their efforts, more than 100 ambassadors have made a positive impact on the lives of girls like Maria Lujan, who received a scholarship and became her family's first high school graduate.
The nonprofit's work extends to underserved Bay Area communities through a grassroots leadership program. Participants like Diana Zarco have overcome challenges and developed leadership skills with the support of Girls Soccer Worldwide. College freshman Cecilia del Rio has gained valuable qualities that will benefit her future career goal of becoming a teacher. The stories of transformation motivate Pratte and Jacobsen to continue their mission of empowering girls and creating positive change in communities.
Pratte and Jacobsen believe in the power of giving girls a voice and empowering them to make a difference. Their dedication to helping others and seeing the impact of their work on children's lives fuels their commitment to making a lasting difference. Through Girls Soccer Worldwide, the couple aims to inspire and empower girls to create positive change in their communities and beyond.