In August 2009, UNFC President Raphael Rezende and Vice-president Gustavo Netto were introduced to Haiti Lumiere de Demain (HLD); a non-profit organization based in Stratford Connecticut dedicated to promoting literacy in primary and secondary schools in Haiti. In a joint effort, UNFC and HLD organized a soccer camp in Haiti with the goal of enlightening underprivileged children about the benefits of education and dedication to sports.
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Preparation
By engaging several sources, Raphael, Gustavo and HLD managed to collect 60 soccer balls, 30 pairs of cleats, 15 trophies, and hundreds of jerseys in a two-month period.
 Gustavo & Raphael sorting jerseys |
 Donated Soccer Cleats |
 Donated Soccer Balls |
On October 8, Raphael, Gustavo and volunteer Nikhil Gangaraju departed JFK Airport on a non-stop flight to Port Au Prince, Haiti.
 UNFC founders Gustavo Netto (left) & Raphael Rezende (right) arrive in Haiti |
 UNFC Volunteer Nikhil Gangaraju |
Soccer Camp Day 1
Day 1 was comprised of two-hour morning and afternoon sessions consisting of drills, tactics, and scrimmages.
 Coaches talking about Leadership, Team Work, Discipline and Respect |
 Coach Gustavo |
 Teamwork |
Soccer Camp Day 2
The children played two remarkable halves of soccer and the coaches were ecstatic with both teams’ performances.
 Curious people from the community |
 Greetings before the match |
Award ceremony
Day 2 was concluded with an awards ceremony and a powerful speech from the coaches on how dedication to education and sports has influenced their personal and professional careers. 1 MVP was nominated from each team and awarded a backpack, full soccer uniform set and a pair of soccer cleats. 10 other players were selected to receive soccer jerseys.
