Soccer Can Change the World.

Each refugee youth has an individual story of resilience and struggle. Although no two stories are the same, they have all crossed borders, left their homes, and adapted to change in the best way possible. It’s difficult enough to be a kid - no matter where you’re from - but it’s even more complicated when dealing with cultural barriers and the lack of stability that often comes with being uprooted. Even the title ‘refugee’ can be stigmatizing. It emphasizes the ‘otherness,’ turning attention toward what’s different, casting a shadow on their uniqueness and abilities, suggesting their immigration status may be the most defining thing in their lives. In reality, they are looking for the childhood experiences that many of us take for granted: summer vacation, being a part of a neighborhood, and forming friendships through sports.

That’s why soccer camp is essential to Thrive’s youth program. Sports have a way of bringing people together and equalizing our differences. Soccer, in particular, has a uniting power: It’s the only sport played by just about every nation on earth. For refugee youth, it might be one of the few culturally enduring activities that make them feel like they belong. Soccer is more than a game; its own global culture leveling the playing field between nations, religions, and traditions. Many refugee kids may struggle to understand their changing culture, but the rules of soccer offer a constant, a sacred space that remains unchanged, the only ‘church’ that some have known.

Last week, Thrive International’s Soccer camp 2022 brought together over 60 kids from 10 different countries for 4 days.

For many, this camp was the highlight of their summer. They met new friends who understood the unique challenges of refugee culture, played their favorite sport - all day, and got their own branded soccer jersey to wear home.

The Kids

Coyrille Wangama (17), has early memories of his extended family uniting together in one home to watch the world cup in Kenya. “That’s what inspired me to play and make them proud of me,” he said while dressed in his new Thrive Nation Soccer Jersey - eager to join his friends on the field. Coyrille’s mother left Kenya when he was only two years old so she could pave the way for him to join her later on in America. In 2015, they were reunited. Having only seen her on the phone, being able to be with his mother was an amazing experience he said. He is now playing soccer for his high school team in Spokane and is grateful for the opportunity to play at soccer camp. “Soccer is everything for me. It’s a great thing. You can’t do something alone in soccer. It unites people to do something together…and just have fun”
Doryn Katumbi (8, Tanzania) said that soccer camp for her is a place where she could bring all her feelings. “When I’m upset, sad, or mad the people here will understand your feelings and make you feel Ok.”
Mwajuma Isishhibaleka (15), was born in Tanzania, and raised in Congo “[Soccer] is a big part of who I am, it’s part of the culture in Congo and my whole family are superfans.” When asked what soccer meant to her she said, “it connects me to my culture and country and it brings people together from different backgrounds. Even a few Ukrainian refugees are here today too.”

One of the highlights of the camp was a surprise appearance from the U.S. Women’s Armed Forces soccer team, who sat in for several games with the kids and even stayed for a water balloon fight at the end.

When asked the same question as the refugee youth, the Women’s Armed Forces team players had answers that weren’t so different from the kids’; “community, family, a connection point for relationships.”

Our Directors:

Jackson Lino and Shannon Price are the youth program directors for Thrive International (pictured below). Together, they are the driving force of not only the soccer camp but many other refugee youth activities, including a once-a-week gym night at the YMCA. Jackson is close to celebrity status in the local refugee community, knowing many of these kids almost their entire lives. He is a role model, a former refugee himself, and an inspiration to many kids as they look to who they could be in their future community. When asked about Jackson and Shannon, Kituz Bigera (11, South Africa) said, “They make me feel like I’m wanted, and I’m loved.”

Our Partners:

Park, is an Australian soccer ball manufacturer. They are the creators of the first carbon-negative soccer ball and are deeply concerned with their environmental and sociological global impact. They have a belief statement that ‘[Soccer] can change the world.’ They believe that soccer is more than just a game; it’s a place for kids to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and when kids understand their role in a team or community, they are empowered to make a change.

USL Spokane, an up-and-coming local soccer league, also partnered with us, sending their Club Storyteller, Taylor Brooks, to spend the week with the kids and hear more about their stories. (Video below). She did an amazing job capturing the joy, excitement, and interactions of each child on the field.

NW Football Ministries, a non-profit organization that uses soccer as a tool for demonstrating character and respect to empower kids in their communities, was another integral part of the week. Jubal McDaniel, the founder and director, donated his time and energy, investing in each of the kids, teaching them about soccer and the life lessons in the game.

Thanks to Soccer Chaplains United, the kids got to leave camp in style with Colorado Rapids soccer jerseys.

Half of the global refugee population (nearly 13 million) are children under 18. That’s why youth programs will continue to be essential to Thrive International. One young boy who attended camp this year said, “Soccer is my safe place.”

The world needs safer places for kids, and our mission is to provide that for refugee communities so that they can thrive.