For my leadership in action project, I travelled to Argentina to coach and play hockey, as well as coach various sports in local slums (barrios). This was my first time in South America, and living in Buenos Aires for the entire six weeks was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. Beyond the physical activities, the cultural immersion provided me with a new perspective on resilience, community, and communication. I got so much out of this experience; please see below my five key takeaways:
- Attempting the local language: Arriving with only basic Spanish, I quickly learned that fluency wasn't as important as the willingness to try. During my coaching sessions in the barrios, I couldn't rely on complex verbal instructions. I remember one afternoon trying to explain a specific defensive drill. I was stumbling over verbs and eventually just acted it out. The kids laughed with me, not at me, and appreciated that I was making the effort to meet them on their ground. It taught me that vulnerability in communication actually builds trust faster than perfect grammar ever could.
- Cultural immersion through food: I learned that in Argentina, food is the vehicle for social connection. I made a point to try everything, but the defining moment was my first Sunday asado (barbecue) at the club. It wasn't just about the steak, it was the three hour ritual of sitting, talking, and sharing with my teammates. Even the late distinct dinner time (often eating at 10:00 PM) taught me to slow down and prioritize social interaction over strict schedules. Sharing mate (the local herbal tea) in a circle became a daily ritual that made me feel like a true participant in the culture rather than just a tourist.
- Sport as a universal language: Coaching in the slums highlighted that sport transcends borders. One afternoon, we organized a football match in a dusty square with makeshift goals. Despite the socioeconomic differences between where I came from and where these children lived, the rules of the game remained the same. When a goal was scored, the celebration was identical to any pitch in the UK. It reinforced the idea that shared passions can bridge massive cultural and economic gaps, providing a common ground where we were all equals.
- The global familiarity of club culture: I was struck by how the hockey club in Buenos Aires felt incredibly similar to clubs back in England, despite being 7,000 miles away. Walking into the clubhouse, I recognized the same banter, the same camaraderie, and the same post-match traditions. I remember sitting in the changing room after a hard game, listening to the songs and jokes. Even if I didn't catch every word, I understood the energy perfectly.
- Understanding political and economic resilience: Living in Buenos Aires gave me a firsthand look at a volatile political and economic landscape, particularly regarding inflation. It was eye-opening to see prices change from week to week and to witness protests in the city center. However, what stayed with me was not the instability, but the resilience of the locals.