Únion Fútbol Tournament

The Ark Jarabacoa hosted a Saturday morning regional soccer tournament at our Kids Alive field.

The Kids Alive (Vida Para Niños) soccer team, Unión VPN Fútbol Club, from Jarabacoa competes in a regional tournament against club teams across the Dominican Republic.

Most of the team’s players are students at ANIJA School in Jarabacoa. The team’s coach, Johanders, is an ANIJA School graduate himself. Now, he has stepped into the role of mentoring young athletes who experience challenging circumstances in their lives outside of school.  

Being on the soccer team allows an opportunity for students to put into practice what they are learning in devotions and bible class – self control, kindness, gentleness, perseverance, edifying speech, and honesty. 

Johanders acknowledges that conflicts arise within the team as the boys struggle with self-control and teamwork, especially with how they treat one another during games. He shared that most of his players come from homes where they don’t experience discipline.

Coming from challenging homes, Kids Alive uses the opportunity to model and coach excellence not only in sports, but more importantly in character. 

As Johanders grows into his leadership role, he is focused on discipling the players—teaching them how to work together, respect referees, and develop discipline and perseverance. To foster unity, improve behavior, and ultimately experience heart transformation, he has partnered with Rosanny, the social worker at ANIJA School, to implement team-building activities during practice. We pray that the combined efforts provide life-changing ways for these boys to grow into Christ-like men of integrity.