Coyotepec is a Mexican municipality that is divided into 13 neighborhoods, located in the State of Mexico. It is a place rich in traditions, with a strong cultural identity, especially in wind band music and local cuisine. However, despite its cultural manifestations, a large part of the population commutes daily to Mexico City or other more industrial municipalities for work and education, which affects local development. The municipality faces infrastructure, mobility and accessibility challenges, which limit its growth and the quality of life of its inhabitants.

The main problem in Coyotepec is the scarcity of safe and quality public spaces, which impedes social interaction among inhabitants and turns it into a dormitory municipality. The consequences of this lack of infrastructure include the social exclusion of people living in the periphery, low participation in community projects, and the lack of recreational and sports activities that cater to different groups in the community. In addition, there are high rates of crime, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and an increase in the cost of public and private health services due to the sedentary lifestyle of the population.

The causes of this problem are multifaceted. At the political and administrative level, there is an insufficient approach from the local government in terms of planning and alternatives (in case there is no budget) to fund the change in public spaces. At the organizational level, the scarcity of active organizations and the community's distrust of them limits citizen participation in contributing to the transformation of these spaces. From the social and infrastructure point of view, the insecurity of public spaces, poor transportation planning and the weak connection between the community and its needs are key factors that aggravate the situation.

Despite the efforts of some organizations, such as the case of the rehabilitation of the Port courts in 2022, and with low participation of local authorities, the solutions implemented so far have not been sufficiently effective. The centralization of infrastructure in the center of the municipality has left the peripheries marginalized, preventing equitable access to services. Current initiatives lack a comprehensive approach that considers security, community participation and improvement of urban infrastructure. In addition, apathy and lack of commitment on the part of the community and authorities make it difficult to create a favorable environment for social and economic development.

• Workshops for mothers: Cooking workshops and recreational activities will be carried out to strengthen the stay of mothers while their children practice sports, encouraging family participation. Tables, chairs and facilitators will be used to ensure that the activities are carried out correctly, and training will be provided to those attending.
• Practice of sports with values for boys and girls: Sports activities will be organized for boys and girls, promoting values such as teamwork and respect. The activities will be provided with balls, training material and trained coaches to ensure the proper development of the children, in addition to providing them with training.
• Sales and cultural activities: There will be fundraising activities, such as sales with artisans and garage sales, to finance the purchase of supplies and the maintenance of public spaces. Chairs and audio equipment requested from local partners will be used to ensure the quality of the activities and the maintenance of the spaces.
• Dissemination through YouTube channel: The social leaders will manage a YouTube channel, or the media they consider relevant, to disseminate the activities, workshops and advice, expanding the reach of the initiative in the community. This channel will allow greater visibility of the activities and promote the participation of the population through the Internet.
• Community Network: The mothers and fathers involved in activities can be complemented by the support of parents who, due to work or other responsibilities, cannot always be present at their children's sports or other activities. These parents can help achieve goals, objectives, and tasks related to the sustainability of sports spaces, as well as the management of their rehabilitation.
• Rehabilitation and transformation of public spaces: There are three key groups whose roles are essential to organizing the physical transformation of sports and cultural spaces in Coyotepec; local government, private sector, and citizens—ideally through civil society organizations or organized neighborhood collectives of parents and families in Coyotepec.

The previously mentioned Community Network would aim to manage resources and support among these three actors to carry out improvements to public spaces, which can then be used by community beneficiaries, primarily children.

Managing and improving these spaces through Community Networks and in connection with NGOs, mainly as a mechanism to formalize community-led efforts when engaging with private companies or the government, helps implement physical improvements that increase the safety and usability of public spaces.

Direct results:

• 10 mothers trained in recreational and cooking activities, encouraging their children to stay involved in sports activities.
• An “informal” collective promoted by this group.
• 60 boys and girls trained in sports with values, improving their participation and physical development.
• At least 6 fundraising events per year, with the participation of the community and the sale of products to finance the maintenance of public spaces.
• 1 communication channel on social networks, e.g. YouTube, managed by social leaders, disseminating activities and increasing community participation.

Expected impact:

• Increase social interaction in the community through the active participation of at least 600 people registered in sports, cultural and public space maintenance activities by 2026.
• Consolidate a sustainable community network, integrated by at least 10 leaders that promotes the rehabilitation and use of quality public spaces by 2026. Crystallized in projects with local organizations, local or external companies or local government.
• Consolidate the rehabilitation of at least 6 public spaces renovated by the inhabitants themselves by 2027.

• OCA Foundation

• Sergio Anguiano Cristobal, First Councilor, Government of Coyotepec (anguiano.sergio@gmail.com)
• Emilio Martinez Lopez Lopez, Director, love futbol Mexico (emilio@lovefutbol.org)
• Luz Mireya Aleman Baños, Manager, OCA Foundation (mireya.aleman18@gmail.com)
• Atzin Estefania Hernández Parra, Project Coordinator, love futbol (sistemascorporativosle@gmail.com)
• Ana Claudia Ramirez Fragoso, project coordinator, love futbol (anaclaudiaramirezfragoso@gmail.com)