TCS 12th grader Pablo Gongas Independent Study Projects (ISP) become something more than just a project.

ISP projects are done by the 12th graders as one of their requirements, this year they had an innovation that includes using apps to teach athletes and make a social change. Pablo Gongas’ passion for soccer was demonstrated in his ISP when he decided to do it with Aguilas Doradas to help out the soccer team members.

“The project was about giving free education to soccer player that don’t have the resources to pay a school, university or learning center,” said Gongas.

To everyone involved especially for Pablo Gongas, this project goes even further than a grade, he actually wants to make a change in his sporting community. He and his partner have no intention of abandoning such project and they would continue to be involved with it.

“I got inspired by the player’s passion to reach success and how they work and would work to take their families out of poverty but at the same way allowing them to follow their passion that is playing soccer,” said Gongas.

The project had to have a social change, meaning that it needed to make an impact on the community. They got inspired because they saw what was happening in Colombian professional sports and wanted to make a change. Even the smallest step towards change could make a difference in someone’s life.

“The inspiration came mostly from the idea that professional sports in Colombia aren’t 100% guarantee so players need to understand that they need to have a plan B for life and not just think that soccer is their way out,” said Miguel Urrego, the project partner.

With support from Aguilas Doradas Futbol Club, both Gongas and Urrego were able to make this initiative happen. Not only they were able to make it happen, but sooner rather than later it would become institutionalized inside.

“With Miguel Urrego we develop the project and had lots of support by Águilas administration and personal. The project will start when the president of Águilas authorize and choose the ways players can study,” said Gongas.

For the future, they are hoping that more clubs get involved but most importantly that players get excited about the program and use it.

“At the start, there would be approximately 70 athletes counting three teams, two of minor divisions and the professional team but he hopes to promote with more clubs,” said Gongas.