A Ball Can Change the World
Jenna Gallie // April 26, 2012
When I first heard about Halifax Street Soccer (HSS), I thought it was just another soccer club starting in the area. Being a competitive soccer player from a young age, I truly didn’t think I could love the game any more than I already do. However, my love for soccer grew even more when I discovered what HSS is all about.
Playing the game always came naturally to me. I enjoyed going out on the field with my friends to play a sport I loved. The biggest struggle I had before practices and games was which shorts I was going to wear, or who was going to bring us out for ice cream afterwards. Now, as an adult, I still appreciate the social side of the game, but I also realize the potential it has for helping people—both on and off the field.
Recently opening in September of 2011 here in Halifax, HSS is a grass-roots organization under their head boss, Street Soccer Canada. This program began in Canada to help people overcome their alcohol and drug addictions, while improving their housing, education, and employment outcomes by playing soccer.
Every Sunday evening, HSS arranges a nice cooked supper and a fun scrimmage game for anyone that is in need of a little guidance and desire for change. They feel that sport cuts through all barriers including gender, ethnic, and cultural. The power of sport pushes development, peace, and health amongst humans, and allows them to be their own person.
What the public doesn’t realize about HSS is that you don’t need to be an elite athlete to volunteer or use its resources. The organization wants volunteers who care about helping people make a difference in their lives. Through the interaction of sport, you can easily make a difference in someone’s life, so why not try?
If you volunteer for HSS, you will start making a difference immediately. There is no age limit for seeking help from this organization. You will never forget the smiling faces, young and old, that come out to play. For that hour, you can forget about daily struggles because, during that time, enthusiastic smiles cover each and every face. The sport of soccer brings them this joy.
Former Olympian and Canadian National Soccer Team Member Kara Lang is a big supporter of Soccer Street Canada, and jumped at the chance to be involved. A tweet from the Olympian stated “this makes it all worth it. My hero and MVP, she inspires me,” attached was a photo of an older lady who was joining a scrimmage game, wearing a contagious smile. At that moment, you couldn’t tell the woman was struggling with little money and had no home to call her own. Her time with Street Soccer Canada was her opportunity to seek help and just have fun. Lang continues to be involved with the organization, travelling across Canada to promote how important being a part of SSC really is.
You may wonder how playing soccer can help people improve their lives, help them battle their addictions, or get them off the streets. Being a part of a team that plays together day in and day out creates strong personal relationships. It gives players a sense of confidence, a spirit of belonging, and a feeling of loyalty.
Being a grassroots, non-profit organization, HSS lacks funds. Any type of donation to Street Soccer Canada goes directly towards those in need. Whether it is funding their counselling sessions, providing them with job opportunities, or improving their housing situations, all of the money goes to help the players. The goal is to provide assistance now, so that later these players can become future mentors and social entrepreneurs in their communities.
The best place to see the power of soccer in action is at the world’s largest street soccer tournament. Since 2009, Street Soccer Canada has hosted a tournament called “The Homeless Cup.” This tournament consists of co-ed and gender specific teams that participate in a week long paid soccer tournament to play against other countries involved with the Street Soccer program.
Last year, this tournament was held in Rio with over 72 nations taking part. More than 55, 000 street soccer players from all over the world took part in something that united everyone as one. For most players, participating in this event will be the only positive experience they have. Those of you who have been a part of a team know the lasting connection and relationships that can be built by working together toward a common goal. From the 55, 000 players that attended the last Homeless Cup, over 70 per cent have overcome either alcohol or drug addiction, and have improved their housing, education, and employment situations.
Soccer and sports have made me a different person and have influenced my life greatly. Being part of a team is truly a bond like no other. I plan to volunteer for HSS because I know this experience would allow me to help give these players the same opportunities I had as a child, opportunities that truly helped me grow as a person.
The HSS motto is “a ball can change the world.” So can one person. Help out in your local community, volunteer with HSS, and help change your community and someone’s life for the better.
