Soccer is played in the streets all around the world–except for in the US. However, that is about to change….
There’s just under one month to go before the inaugural Street Soccer Buffalo tournament kicks off, and the excitement is rising. This event, to be held annually, is Buffalo’s only soccer tournament played in the street.
Tournament proceeds will benefit Concerned Ecumenical Ministry, a human service agency located on the West Side, which runs a number of programs assisting Buffalo’s rapidly-growing refugee population.
Organizers have hopes for the tournament beyond simply raising money, though.
“We want this to be an event of cultural and sporting significance”, said Mike Jackson, one of the event’s organizers.
“The game of soccer is a unifying force”, he continued. “Buffalo’s refugee community comes from all around the world, but they all have soccer as a common bond. One of the goals of this event is to help us get to know each other better. In addition to refugee teams”, he added, “we’ve got teams from the suburbs coming to play. We’re all going to be learning from one another.”
It’s not too late to register a team for this unique soccer experience. Women, men, girls, boys, or coed–all teams are welcome.
Street Soccer Buffalo will be held on July 20-21, on Lafayette Avenue, two blocks east of Grant Street. You can find more information at streetsoccerbuffalo.com and www.facebook.com/StreetSoccerBuffalo.
Also see Buffalo Rising for background info on this tournament.