Soccer Means Life
Erika Hernández, Panama
My name is Erika Hernández, a player for the Plaza Amador football club in Panama and the Panama women’s national team. I started playing when I was 5 years old in my neighborhood. I played with my cousins and friends and also in a club called the Soccer Sports Society. I was the only girl in the group. After that, I continued with soccer until I joined my first women's team San Cristobal FC when I was 12 years old.
There have been difficult moments, especially the sacrifices that I have had to make with my studies. In university, it is very difficult to study and play at the same time due to schedules that clash and everything gets complicated. Many times I have chosen soccer and then I return to university studies.
My best moment in football was qualifying for this World Cup. The worst was in 2018 when we just missed out on the World Cup. My family influences my life for good because they always support me to keep going, thank God.
In the future I want to be a physical education teacher, so I can teach children just like they did with me!
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
The people who appear in the photos are my teammates from the Plaza Amador club and the Panamanian national team, and also the coaching staff. The photos were taken in the locker room, buses and on the field during training sessions and games. I tried to show the joy of our club and the national team, the unity, and Panamanian culture.
I have been preparing myself physically and mentally for the World Cup during daily training sessions and with my teammates. Before every match, I pray to God to help me, listen to music, and dance!
What are the opportunities and challenges for women’s footballers in Panama? What changes have you seen in women’s football since you started playing?
There are many challenges for women’s footballers in Panamanian soccer. There are more opportunities if you are a good player and that is how a team from overseas sees you or you reach the national team. There is still a lot to improve but there are changes happening, more support from the fans, and a little more financial support than before.
What role does football play in your community and Panamanian society?
Football plays an important role in my community and in Panama, since it is the sport that the majority of people play. It helps young people not to fall into crime. Day by day our country becomes more passionate about this sport.
What does football and representing your country mean to you?
For me, soccer means life. Since I was little this has been all that I have done and I love it. Representing my country is something that fills me with joy and pride since it is the dream of every athlete.
What does the future look like for women's football? What do you want/expect to change after the 2023 Women’s World Cup?
I think that women's football will be a force at the men's level in the future, since equality and improvement for women's football is happening in many countries. I want there to be more promotion of women's football at the international and national level, so that players can afford to live off this career.
