Somoto - Andrea Vílchez — Football Case Study

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Exploration: is a photo series dedicated to the spirit of following one’s whim. Our members will let curiosity lead the way in searching for unique football cultures.

018 SOMOTO

FCS-ID: 018/AV10125—505

PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDREA VÍLCHEZ
LOCATION: SOMOTO, NICARAGUA
DATE: JANUARY 2025
FCS-ID: 018/AV10125—505

SOMOTO, Nicaragua — In Nicaragua, a country traditionally obsessed with baseball, love for football grows stronger by the day. Somoto, a northern city just miles from the border with Honduras is home to Primera División women’s side Real Madriz as well as a thriving girl’s football scene.

Shot on the last day of her visit back home, Andrea’s photos from the Ligas Menores Apertura final between Real Madriz and San Fernando FC and captured at Somoto’s Estadio Solidaridad ACMA, are testament to the progress made in getting girls to play football- something that wan’t a priority just 15 years ago.

“When I lived in Nicaragua, girls playing football was not normal. There was no girls team. [The only time we played] was at school whenever we got enough girls to sign up during physical education. Neither the league or Real Madriz existed when I lived there”.

From the heads bowed in prayer pre-match to tears of joy at the final whistle, the passion for football that radiates through Andrea’s photography is palpable.

‘It was very full circle and heartwarming experience to see football has grown this much and that the girls show so much passion for the game. I feel very lucky because I didn’t think I’d get to cover much football during my visit”.

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