Mayor Mercado Launches Statewide Street Soccer Tournament

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefanía Mercado inaugurated the statewide street soccer tournament "From the Street to the Pitch" this Saturday at Plaza 28 de Julio. The event, organized by the Telmex-Telcel Foundation in coordination with the Municipal Institute of Sports, transformed the public square into a soccer field for the first time, welcoming over 500 young participants.

A Platform for Transformation Through Sports

Mayor Mercado emphasized the tournament’s role in fostering social change, stating, "Thank you to the Telmex-Telcel Foundation for choosing Playa del Carmen as the host of this great tournament. It is an honor to welcome you here." She also recognized the achievements of local athletes Lourdes Uc Castillo and Dulce Och Canché, who have represented Mexico internationally, including at the 2025 Wroclaw Cup in Poland, where they earned runner-up honors.

The mayor highlighted the revitalization of public spaces as a key achievement of her administration. "These plazas, once empty or dominated by fear, are now filled with life, culture, concerts, sports, and community. This is security from the ground up," she said.

Building Dreams Through Competition

Heriberto Espejel, sports director of the Telmex-Telcel Foundation, explained that the tournament aims to select Quintana Roo’s state teams for national competitions. "Dreaming is allowed. This tournament is for you. Play, enjoy, but also believe in yourselves. Opportunities like this can change lives," he told participants.

Patricia Fajardo, director of the Municipal Institute of Sports, echoed the sentiment, calling the event a "real platform for social transformation." She added, "We are generating dreams and building life projects here. Sports are a powerful tool for creating a fairer, healthier, and more inclusive municipality."

The tournament, held from July 18 to 20, features categories for children, youth, and open divisions. It aligns with the 2024–2027 Municipal Development Plan’s Inclusive Government initiative, which promotes sports as a means to improve health, safety, and community integration.

Dulce Och Canché and Lourdes Uc Castillo delivered an inspirational message to attendees before performing the ceremonial kickoff.

Eduardo Asencio, honorary president of DIF Playa del Carmen, joined municipal authorities and foundation representatives in presiding over the event, underscoring the importance of creating opportunities for youth.

The tournament marks another step in Playa del Carmen’s efforts to reclaim public spaces and strengthen social cohesion through sports and cultural activities.