In our recently launched Mexico issue, we cover the work of Street Child United, in particular at the Street Child World Cup held in Mexico City this May. So you can imagine our excitement when we heard from two extremely talented documentary makers who wanted to share their 3 part series on The World Cup that Matters.
Lewis (producer) and Abhinav (director) have been working on a documentary series covering this year's Street Child World Cup in Mexico. It is a tournament that is run alongside the FIFA World Cup (but not connected) and creates a stage for street-connected children from around the world to compete. This year, 28 teams from around the world competed.
The tournament is run by a UK-based charity, Street Child United, which works on getting these kids visas and passports - and for many of them, travelling for the first time. The documentary focuses on two teams: the Ikoots, a group of indigenous boys from Oaxaca, Mexico; and Zebstrong, a group of girls from Nairobi, Kenya. The first and second episodes are out now, with the third coming soon.
Episode 1:
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The Ikoots are playing on home soil, as indigenous Mexicans, but still feel like outsiders. We learn what it means to represent their community nationally and how much it matters to them, just as much as playing against other nations.
Fantastic to see such enthusiasm. And what a great opportunity for these children to take part in. Can't wait for episode two !!
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We meet the Zebstrong girls who are marginalised twice over. Firstly by their financial background and secondly by being girls. Across this episode, we see them go from underdogs to winning machines as they fly through the group stage. Meanwhile, the Ikoots go out in their final group-stage match against the Mexican national team, a heartbreaking yet inspiring end.
What an amazing project. And the video beautifully captures the spirit and atmosphere of it. Really inspiring.
Episode 3:
- The final episode starts with Kenya's promising semi-final win. Then we see the Ikoots perform a traditional dance (as part of the tournament) and speak at the general assembly alongside kids from around the world. And then Kenya's final, a close game they lose. We learn how much it means to them on the pitch and the things they take with them off the pitch.
We immediately fell in love with the series, and hope you will too. Inspirational to say the very least, and a reminder that whatever is happening in our lives, football can be the most incredible unifier - and leveller.
If you'd like to learn more about Street Child United's work, visit their website here.
And you can read more about the Street Child World Cup and our take on Mexico City in Glory Country Edition: Mexico, available here (UK only) or here (everywhere else).
Lee, Ben, Rob, Ad and Charlie
