In the heart of Pernambuco’s countryside lies a remarkable tale of selflessness and passion for community. Cosme Tavares, a former farm laborer turned referee in São Paulo, made a life-altering decision to establish a social project for children and teenagers in the small town of Itambé. After dedicating 20 years to the Paulista Football Federation (FPF) as a driver, Cosme pursued his passion for refereeing in his spare time. His journey marked by nearly 400 games officiated, took a transformative turn when he returned to his roots in Itambé, located in the Zona da Mata Norte region of Pernambuco.
Cosme’s affinity for football dates back to his youth when he played for the local juvenile team in Engenho Gongo, a rural community where he grew up. Despite early success on the field, his responsibilities shifted at 17 when his father fell ill, prompting him to prioritize supporting his family over his sporting aspirations. However, fate had other plans as Cosme eventually found himself back in the realm of football through a series of twists and turns in his life journey.
His path led him to São Paulo in 1999 at the invitation of his twin brother, where he immersed himself in the local football scene while navigating various job roles. It wasn’t until 2003 that Cosme joined the FPF, initially as a security officer before rising to the position of driver, a role he held until 2023 when he decided to establish the social initiative. Concurrently, in 2007, Cosme’s interest in refereeing blossomed, leading him to embark on a rigorous training program that culminated in officiating hundreds of matches across different levels.
The inception of the social project stemmed from Cosme’s interactions with young players during his refereeing stints. Witnessing the joy and enthusiasm on the faces of these children ignited a desire within him to provide similar opportunities for the youth in his hometown. Balancing his academic pursuits, refereeing commitments, and employment became increasingly challenging, prompting him to make a significant sacrifice by relinquishing his refereeing duties to focus on his community initiative.
Leaving behind his spouse, eight cats, and a dog in São Paulo, Cosme dedicated over a year to laying the groundwork for the project in Itambé. Initially supported by the local government, the football classes were held in municipal sports facilities before Cosme had to independently finance a playing field due to the lack of external funding. Despite financial constraints and the absence of sponsors, Cosme persevered, juggling his responsibilities by working as a ride-sharing driver in São Paulo to sustain the “Craques da Superação” project.
The initiative currently caters to 49 children and teenagers, predominantly boys with a lone female participant named Tamara, who holds her own among her male peers on the field. The sessions, conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 4 p.m., focus on honing football skills and fostering teamwork, supplemented by nutritious snacks provided to enhance the playing experience. Cosme’s vision for the project extends beyond sports, aiming to nurture character development and citizenship among the participants despite the challenges posed by the lack of external support.
In Cosme’s absence, his brother, sister-in-law, and a friend oversee the day-to-day operations of the ONG in Itambé, ensuring the continuity of the impactful work initiated by Cosme. Despite the hurdles faced along the way, the unwavering dedication and resilience exhibited by Cosme and his team exemplify the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in shaping young lives and fostering community spirit.
As the sun sets over the serene landscapes of Itambé, the echoes of children’s laughter on the football field serve as a poignant reminder of Cosme’s enduring legacy, a testament to the profound impact of one individual’s unwavering commitment to uplifting their community. The story of Cosme Tavares stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, underscoring the profound change that can be wrought through a singular act of selflessness and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of sport.
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