VOICED : Hand-crafted footballs struggle to stay in the game in Mexico

In the village of Cilco, Mexico, Virginia, a 72-year-old football crafter, struggles to support her family with her ancestral craft due to low earnings and economic challenges. The village, once known for supplying footballs to Mexico's National Team, faces competition from Asia and the lure of drug farming. Despite these challenges, some families continue the tradition, though the future remains uncertain.

What is the main challenge Virginia faces in continuing her craft of sewing footballs?

• Competition from other villages

• Lack of interest in football

• Low selling price of footballs

• Lack of materials

What historical change affected the football crafting industry in Cilco?

• Government subsidies for football crafting

• Increased local demand for footballs

• Opening of the first football factory by Alberto Morales

• Introduction of new sewing techniques

How has competition from Asia affected the football industry in Cilco?

• It has improved the quality of local footballs

• It has led to a decrease in local football production

• It has had no impact on the local industry

• It has increased the demand for local footballs

What alternative occupation have some local craftsmen turned to due to economic pressures?

• Teaching

• Tourism

• Textile manufacturing

• Drug farming

Despite the challenges, what keeps some Cilco families continuing the tradition of football crafting?

• High profitability

• Government incentives

• Lack of other job opportunities

• Cultural significance and tradition