Play Soccer So They Can “officially” starts tomorrow

Just a quick note about the upcoming launch of the community Play Soccer So They Can, which aims to bring together people at least once a year to play soccer so that war-affected youth can too. Clubs, teams, and groups are invited to host a soccer game in their own community to build support for soccer-based community building in war-affected northern Uganda.

In our first year, and as it’s short notice for this year’s dates, we are suggesting that people host their game during the 25th-27th of September (the official dates) or on a weekend that is more convenient than for them. In the future, we will give enough notice so that teams participating across North America can host their event during the same weekend.

So far we have groups in Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Regina, Winnipeg, LA, Minnesota, Kingston (Ont.), and now in Kentucky and Mississippi! Some will be participating this weekend and some a bit later on this fall. Though, the first official game of Play Soccer So They Can happened last Sunday in Edmonton when the U of A men’s team invited their opponents (UVic) to join them to play soccer so that war-affected youth can. They raised about $400 and nobody (not even the organizer) broke a sweat.

This is what Matt Wilson (the organizer) said about his involvement:

Our goal is to eventually have every team across North America playing soccer so they can on the same weekend. This year our goal is $10,000 (4, weeklong, Soccer Camps for Peace for over 300 children) and we are still looking for some energy and love from individuals who want to host a simple game ($100 to $500 or more) in their community. I have attached a How To document that gives a ton more information on everything. If you can’t host a game, please pass on the info.

If you are organizing an event, please take photos so we can share your efforts with the rest of the community.

Email gavin@oaprojects.org if you have questions or to find out what to do after your event!