British Ambassador in Guatemala, Julie Chappell, would like to see young people more involved in politics and determined to pursue their dreams.  The Ambassador herself has participated in several activities -some of them not common to women in Guatemala- such as a football game called "90 minutes against violence", hosted by a group of youngsters committed to fight against crime in this Central American country.  The match took place on Wednesday 16 September.

Do you like football?

Football is a national love in England (we're hoping to host the 2018 World Cup) so I have always liked to watch games with my friends. But this was my first time playing...

Do you practice this or any other sport regularly?

I have played lacrosse for many years. It's not very well known here in Central America, although a team has recently started in Mexico. So now I focus more on running and boxing...and I have just found a touch rugby team which is brilliant exercise.

Which team is your favourite in the English, European and Guatemalan league?

In English football - Newcastle.
In European.... Newcastle...one day!
In Guatemala... Tricky question. I have met some really great Cremas, and played football on Wednesday with some great Rojos. But I'd like to go watch a game before I make up my mind!

How do you describe your experience in last Wednesday's match?

I was very nervous at the start... to walk out into such an amazing stadium and to hear the noise of the crowd. But then I started to really enjoy the game - right up until the point I missed an open goal! But throughout, I felt extremely proud to be part of such an incredible event.

Why did you decide to participate in a match of a sport considered mostly for men, at least in Guatemala?

I have to admit I didn't realise I would be the only one! But I saw in Prensa Libre's Internet site that the match was going to happen and knew instantly that I wanted to support it. It was great though that the other players were so supportive of having a woman on pitch - all the more reasons for girls to go get their boots on!

As the origin of the group was very diverse, how did all of you manage to work together and what kind of example this exercise sets for Guatemalan society?

For many years, I was proud to play in England's national team for lacrosse. What made us strong was a common drive but also a strong set of common principles. That we would never resort to "dirty play"; that we would train hard; that we would always be there for one another - even when we were under pressure or having a bad day. The other element that made us strong was that we were a diverse group - some good in attack, some good at running around, some really strong in defence. We needed each other. The key message that I think there is for society here is that within a team, each individual has a responsibility for the success of the team as a whole. This is a strong part of why I took part in Wednesday's football match. It was about all of Guatemala's society playing a role to tackle violence here - not just about what the Government or the International Community should be doing.

The public and the press expressed that you were the most valuable player in the game.  What do you think about that?

Thank you - that's really kind of you. I admit I was pretty scared about playing! But since the whole event was about having the courage to stand up to violence, I felt I was only reflecting the spirit of the many people there who were also stepping out of their comfort zone to do something they believed in.

Guatemalans have seen lately more ambassadors sensitive and closer to people, and now you're participating in a football game against violence…

The world of diplomacy is changing! When I first started my career, there was a bit of a tendency to stay in the Capital, meet only certain contacts and "monitor" what was going on. Now, most diplomats are very keen to try to get much more involved and to see things and talk to people first-hand. Modern technology has changed things too. I really appreciate the comments I get on my blog, for example, as a way to get some honest feedback as well as fresh ideas from people in the region and the UK.

What's your message to young women in Guatemala?

I would love to see all young Guatemalans more involved in politics. As with the UK, many young people don't see the point in entering political institutions. But ultimately, the young are Guatemala's future. Key issues (e.g. like climate change) won't change without them. This is not to say that youg people can't do things their own way too - the football match was a perfect example of that and showed how many people are keen to listen to and support the voice of the young.

For young Guatemalan women, I would say the same - get involved! But again, know that you have support - e.g. the movement "Mas Mujeres, Mejor Politica". I have been lucky in that throughout my childhood, I've been told to have a go at whatever I want to do. It hasn't been easy - diplomacy can still be at times a man's world. But having people around you who believe in you helps you to believe in yourself.

Notes for Editors

Interview published in Prensa Libre (20 September 2009)

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