Playing, Learning, Inspiring

Ryanna & Elizabeth, Brazil

Bundesliga and Goal Click have collaborated to create a storytelling series to share the untold stories of children participating in the Bundesliga Common Ground project. This series showcases the transformative impact of the Common Ground pitches within urban communities in Germany, Brazil, Nigeria and Indonesia.

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Ryanna and Elizabeth play football with the Vila Olímpica programme in Vidigal, home to one of the first refurbished pitches in the Bundesliga Common Ground initiative. 

Using photography and video, Ryanna and Elizabeth share their experience during the eight-week Common Ground sessions. Ryanna has also written an excerpt about the impact the programme has had on her. 

My name is Ryanna and I am 15 years old. I first discovered my love for playing football when I was just six. People often told my mother I was very talented, and that encouragement sparked my deeper interest in the sport. I began playing with Vila Olímpica under Coach Cypa when I was seven.

Football is important to me because it represents more than just a game. It is part of my dream to become someone great in life, and to prove that nothing is impossible. Through my love for football, I hope to inspire others to work toward a better future and to never give up on their dreams. Just as I have been taught, I want to teach and motivate others.

The Common Ground project with Bundesliga has had a big impact on my life. It taught me to respect my teammates and not to get upset when someone misses a pass or shot. Instead, I now try to appreciate the effort they made.

This experience meant a lot to me, and I will carry these lessons throughout my life.