On the training pitch, the women’s Mexican squad are hard at work warming up for their match against Chile. Following the coach’s instructions, the young women stretch, jump, and run with clear conviction and a single shared goal: winning the Women’s Homeless World Cup.

Among the players is 25-year-old Lizbeth Angeles, a smiley young woman from Mexico State. Lizbeth became involved with Street Soccer Mexico only last year, where she discovered that her love for football could help her overcome her problems with her family: “Me and my parents had a very bad relationship for a very long time,” she says, with a smile on her face. “Now, I can get all my frustrations out by kicking the ball.”

This is the first time Lizbeth and most of her team mates are in Amsterdam – or in Europe for that matter. “We still can’t believe we’re here,” Lizbeth smiles. “We have already played a few matches and we still can’t believe we are at this wonderful tournament!”

The Mexican squad is formed by women from all over the republic, and they have been playing together for less than a month. “It’s been amazing, we have bonded and now we are all really close. It’s amazing being here with the people I love; my team have become like my second family and I really want to make them proud. We are really nervous about our game against Chile tonight, and I don’t want to let my team down.”

Lizbeth is hoping to begin her studies once she returns to Mexico, “I love sports and education, and I would love to dedicate my life to helping children and youth through sports, especially football, which is why I want to study something related to sports and social development.

“I am very lucky, I have never fallen down a dangerous path, but I know many that do, and Street Soccer Mexico has really helped them improve their lives. If I can do that, I will be very happy.”

Photo Credits: Romain Kedochim

Mexico defeated Chile in a lopsided victory of 6-1.