Local student flies to Brazil to equip underprivileged youth soccer players

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Luca Guerra, a rising senior at Grand Oaks High School and also captain of the school’s boys’ soccer varsity team), organized a fundraiser to help underprivileged children in his native Brazil.

“I was born and lived in Brazil until I was 10,” he said. “Back as a child, I played soccer, and was used to their infrastructure – or lack thereof – and when I moved here I was blown away by the accessibility to the sports that were provided. There, I sometimes played against kids who didn't have nice cleats like I did or sometimes not at all. This prompted me to want to help out my home country.”

Once Luca decided on a course of action, he worked on his vision while he waited for an opportunity to implement it. Earlier this summer, his father – who still resides in Brazil – asked him to visit. Luca got to work.

Set up by the people in the community, Projeto Cássio Nunes is an institution aimed at providing underprivileged children in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, with free soccer training. Luca set up a GoFundMe account to raise $2,000 to purchase new soccer balls, uniforms, and practice gear for these children. “With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of these children and provide them with the tools they need to stay active, healthy, and engaged in their communities. Thank you for your support!” said Luca on the fundraiser page.

Last week, Luca hopped aboard an airplane and headed over to Brazil to deliver 85 uniform kits and sports equipment that he purchased with the funds he raised through the campaign.

“The turnout was amazing, honestly one of the best moments of my life,” he said in an exclusive interview with Woodlands Online. “The feeling of accomplishment and genuine happiness I felt after helping was otherworldly.”

In total, Luca and his supporters donated 80 shirts, 80 shorts, 80 socks, 50 cones and seven brand new pairs of cleats.

“The day was nothing short of perfect,” said Luca. “It started off as a one-off event; however, with the success of this one, I plan on helping out another community in my hometown.”

The GoFundMe campaign is still active; if you wish to donate to the cause, visit https://gofund.me/c808c21b.