Honduras is one of the deadliest countries in the world outside of a warzone. It consistently has one of the highest murder rates in the world, most of which are never solved. The sources of this violence and many of the country’s other woes are the drug trade and gangs – such as MS-13 – who fight to control illicit trafficking routes through the country. A secondary effect of this violence is the heavy volume of families and unaccompanied minors making their way north toward the United States.

Teams play for the championship in this final game of the tournament. The shots they were taking on the goals were incredible!

In an effort to reduce this violence and the influence of gangs on local communities, a US team is working with the Honduran National Police (HNP) and their special security unit, the TIGRES, to organize a soccer tournament. Community recreation events like this have been shown to help build stronger relationships with local communities and troops in the area. These relationships will reinforce communication and understanding, and provide positive activities for children to reduce their risk of gang recruitment. This ultimately allows US forces to be safer and more successful in their work. Involvement in sports provides a great outlet for kids to keep them active in safe locations, like schools, and away from bad actors that seek to turn them towards a life of crime and violence. These malicious actors are sadly all too prevalent in Honduras.

A member of the TIGRES teaches children about the different equipment the police wear to reduce its mystique.

With your support, Spirit of America will donate sports equipment to help the US team and their partners launch this tournament and strengthen local relations. This is a crucial next step in helping US troops and their Honduran partners fight transnational crime and support Honduras as it moves toward a more secure future.