Los Angeles, CA, USA
SWB in Orange County is a Seasonal Program
Program Background:
SWB LA started as a camp program providing new American youth the opportunitity to play soccer during vacation months when they often have little to do. Recognizing that with a larger prescence we could have more impact, in the fall of 2012 we developed into a seasonal program. New Americans often find themselves in a new environment and without the social, cultural, and linguistic infrastructure they are accustomed to. In response to this, the primary objective is to create a structured and fun recreational environment for new Americans to engage with one another. Recognizing the diversity of refugee, asylee, and immigrant populations in Orange County, California, this program also seeks to support our participants in transcending perceived racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic and geographic divides, in our communities. We believe that contained inside the game of soccer is a universal language that provides a platform to build a sense of community.
Program Description:
SWB LA is a seasonal program consisting of once a week practice for 10 weeks, along with one field trip. Also, twice a year, Soccer Without Borders partners with The Tiyya Foundation to create a week-long soccer camp for new American youth in Orange County, CA. Soccer Without Borders’ staff works with youth from Afghanistan, Burma, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, and Ethiopia. The program focuses on soccer, community building, teamwork, and positive communication. More than 20 nationalities have been represented in past programs and camps.
In addition to teaching the game and techniques of soccer our programs include improv-acting, yoga, dance, nutrition workshops, and trips to LA Galaxy games. Each team builds a small community where youth of different nationalities, religions, ethnicities, political beliefs and regional backgrounds can forge friendships in the spirit of teamwork and play.
Program Staff:
John O'Brien, Program Director: johnob@soccerwithoutborders.org
Omar Benjoud, Head Coach, omar@soccerwithoutborders.org
Zamzam Abukar, Outreach Coordinator, losangeles@soccerwithoutborders.org
Program Partners:
Supportors:
Los Angeles Galaxy
TVSA Hawks
Whole Foods
Recent Highlights:
Follow SWB LA on Facebook
Upcoming Events:
Spring 2013: Spring Season in Anaheim
Summer 2013: 3rd annual international community soccer camp
Summer 2013: Small Goals, Big Change LA Fundraiser