Kickstarting Social Change Through Football in Brazil and Argentina

New leaders are emerging in the soccer world of Brazil and Argentina who use football as a catalyst for social change and development. They parallel the achievements of Brazil's Seleção and La Albiceleste of Argentina—two of the most decorated teams in football history that have been represented over the years by some of the most dynamic and celebrated players ever to have worn their countries' colors.

During the 2010 World Cup In South Africa, Brazil and Argentina hired Dunga and Diego Maradona, respectively, to manage their national teams. Despite their limited coaching experience, both managed to silence critics with successes on the pitch. Brazil entered the World Cup as the top ranked team and Argentina seemed to have found its form at just the right time.

The success of Brazil and Argentina is mirrored by achievement on a different field. Innovative leaders in these two countries have launched initiatives aimed at kickstarting social change through football.

In Brazil, Soccer Tournament for Ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) has been able to use football as a galvanizing force to create an open a dialogue about gender roles and violence against women. In Argentina, Futbol Para Pensar – Inclusión y Aprendizaje has established a framework of respect and diversity, fostering the value of educational and social inclusion of people with disabilities through football.

Fabio Verani’s Soccer Tournament for Ending GBV promotes an organized tournament for men between 16 and 39 to engage in workshop discussions about masculinity and reflect on non-equitable gender norms in their own relationships. The 14-team tournament serves to attract men who many not otherwise be attracted, or willing to participate, in these types of discussions.

The sporting tournament serves as a community event and communication tool, and as an entry point to dialogues about many of the gender stereotypes that are linked to football, including aggressive masculinity and homophobia. Organizers and participants design community events (like street theater or talk shows) to present the project's themes in an accessible form. Weekly campaign materials cover the results of the football tournament, participants' responses to focus groups and workshops, and additional input from the players and community members who have partnered with White Ribbon Brazil, an established GBV prevention campaign in Brazil.

Mariana Battaglini’s Futbol Para Pensar is dedicated to promoting social change and inclusion through street football. The initiative is able to effectively implement inclusion as a right in the education system by strengthen bonds between disable and non-disabled people alike.

Futbol Para Pensar joins children and youth in an interactive, recreational activity that allows participants and the community to compete athletically and develop their academically. The project organizes street football workshops that provide instruction on the rules, tactics, and strategies of the sport, which are then practiced in matches. 

After competitions, community leaders guide and facilitate discussions about solidarity, cooperation, and social inclusion, as well as how students were able to overcome their limitations. Participants are empowered and enriched by these workshops and direct their positive energy in recreational exchange activities such as art shows and music workshops. The school commission incorporated the street football activities into their broader development strategy after recognizing the programs ability to promote the acceptance of diversity and boost the self-efficacy of Argentina's student-athletes. 

Verani and Battaglini have shown the determination of Dunga and the confidence of Maradona in launching their social business ventures. Using football as a tool, these community stewards are driving social change and development in their home countries. Just one team will lift the World Cup trophy, but Verani and Battaglini remind us that there can be more than one football champion