Football and Apple Pie ……
Describing my deep-seated love for football is not easy—it's a passion that runs through my veins, intertwined with my very identity. Growing up in an immigrant family, football was a world that seemed otherworldly to my parents. Yet, from the moment I could kick a ball, I found myself drawn to it. My love affair with football began on the playgrounds, where I would play during recess and lunch, and continued at home, where I honed my skills. Recognizing this unexplainable pull towards the sport, my parents decided to sign me up for Friday Night Lights. Those memories of Friday nights are etched in my mind—the bright stadium lights, the electrifying energy in the air, and the camaraderie of fellow players and fans. Looking back, I realize that what I was drawn to was something quintessentially American, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to experience it
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Football has been more than just a sport for me; it's been a lifeline both on and off the field. It has served as a conversation starter and a bridge to connect with others. After many years of working with refugees, I came to understand that for these children, adjusting to a new country and embracing their newfound American identity can be an uphill battle. Recently, we started coaching girls and boys in flag football at the Colina Rec Center in City Heights. I vividly recall the first time I showed them how to snap and punt the football. Giggles erupted as they tried to grasp this unfamiliar sport—it was like a funny inside joke. But as the weeks passed, something incredible happened. They began to understand the rules of the game, and the laughter turned into focused determination. It wasn't just a game anymore; they were becoming part of it.
These young refugees are not only holding onto their own cultures and traditions but also adding a slice of their new homeland. It's a beautiful fusion of identities, and it reminds me of the inclusivity and diversity that make America unique. Who knows, maybe over the holidays, we'll bring them a taste of classic American apple pie as a gesture of welcome and friendship.
Breaking Barriers: Providing Sports Access to Refugee Youth
by David John
San Diego is home to one of the largest refugee communities in the United States, with vibrant neighborhoods and a diverse population. While refugee children have access to more opportunities in America compared to their home countries, they still face challenges when it comes to participating in sports. This is due to various reasons such as lack of equipment, inability to pay team fees, and lack of training opportunities.
In my experience working with refugee youth, I have noticed that they have a strong desire to belong and be engaged in activities like other American children. Whenever we played games on the field, playground, or basketball courts, the refugee children would become very competitive, and their love for sports would shine through. One day, I asked one of the kids if they played in a sports league, and he replied that his family couldn't afford the league fees. This made me realize that there are many programs that I had access to growing up that are not accessible to others. The life lessons I learned through sports such as teamwork, resilience, and effort were not available to these children due to financial barriers.
The field is where barriers can be broken, and students can connect with one another. During the COVID lockdowns, being part of a sports team in my new high school gave me a sense of belonging and allowed me to connect with other students. Watching the refugee Olympic team gives me hope that we are moving in the right direction towards inclusion and equity.
At Lumiere Sports, we aim to provide greater access to sports leagues for refugee youth. We have partnered with other organizations to start refugee sports teams that will participate in local and state-wide tournaments. We will provide gear and other resources through funding from our generous donors. We will also offer free coaching sessions and practices to expose these children to different sports and the life lessons that come with them. In doing so, we hope to contribute towards creating a more equitable and equal society for all.