The team has arrived in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, and they are practicing with Coach Mark and Coach Ben. Their first game will be on June 4 at midnight against North Cyprus. Leave a message below, and Gabriel will share your message with the team before they take the field for the first time as Darfur United.
Darfur United: We are so proud of you. Being united on the field represents more than a team, it' the future of Darfur. You are true ambassadors for all of Darfur and an inspiration to all those in the refugee camps and to people around the world. Good luck in your first game against North Cyprus – we are cheering you on!
Dearest Team Darfur United,
I am so proud of you all and honored to be alive to experience your triumphant existence. Honored to be able to speak to you. Touched, moved by you all. You have already won – so much for yourself – for Darfur – for Sudan – for the world.
Get out there and live your dream. You are beautiful !!!
Hugs and love for you all,
Your friend,
nell
Go Darfur United! Our hearts are with your hearts.
What a wonderful looking team you are, Darfur United. Congratulations on overcoming so many challenges and obstacles to get where you are. G-D bless you as you play your first game against North Cyprus, and throughout your journey. Thinking of you all. Darfur United Oyee!
God is the glory and lifter of men on earth, he'll lift you all.
I have goosebumps as I follow the journey-you are all amazing and we are watching from San Diego with great anticipation!! Much love and strength, you are all heroes. XO THANK YOU!
Congratulations to each and every one of you. We are so very proud of you. I really like the phrase," Darfur United." You are all an inspiration to all of the world. As long as we have Organizations like i-ACT, people like Katie and Gabriel, and all of you, there will be hope for all refugee's around the globe to a new and peaceful life. Good luck guys. A huge " shout out" to all of you.
dear DARFURunited really i am saying thanks for good idea to having us this way i am refugee in israel i was plying food ball in darfur before the war and today i am very happy to seeing you to mane this i would like to enjoying you if you can .
Go big team! Win one for the Gipper!
Congratulations!
I celebrate with you the opportunity
you have to represent your people and compete. As world citizens we must
find more and more way for ALL PEOPLE
to participate as equal partners on
the planet.
In the midst of misery you come forth as a team with drive, skill, and HEART and SPIRIT! You will shine on the field!
Best of luck, Darfur United, in your athletic competition. But more importantly, have fun. You have already won the bigger victory of being able to compete.
Darfur United, how extraordinary you are! I am just now learning about you and am amazed by your spirit! You are truly a glimmer of hope for Darfur and I hope this experience brings you happiness. I am rooting for you from Chicago!
If anyone in this world deserves a break, it's you guys! I can only imagine the things you had to overcome to get to where you are at today! Congrats and God Bless!
I have tried to post a message since the first post. I think that everyone involved in making this possible is a tribute to the undieing faith and love in the belief that God is at work even in the worst of times. I commend the efforts of the entire organization and I thank God for giving each team member the opportunity to represent Darfur against the odds and enjoying the opportunity to participate as a team United in courage and strength. You are all an inspiration and I feel blessed to have been fortunate enough to follow your journey. May God be with you all. Gi Darfur United! Houston Texas is behind you!
We await each line of news from you all. Adam, I see you standing with the wonderful team. We are proud of you all!
So proud of how far you've come! I hope this experience brings you great happiness and joy. You've work very hard to get there.
Heroes: endure a challenge and never give up!
I strongly believe every good leader realizes that to create any physical change in the world he must first create change in the minds of those he leads. It is our responsibility to spread the word, not only locally and nationally, but also internationally—what we are honored to do here at IRREVERSIBLE.
an IRREVERSIBLE FAN NOOR
endure
Bravo! You have the courage, determination, and skills to play and win! We are all so proud of you!
I have two favorite football clubs – Barcelona and Darfur United! You have a fan in the United States, wearing your shirt and cheering you to victory! Play hard, play well, don't have anything left when you walk off the pitch. God bless you!
Rooting for you all the way Darfur United!!
Congrats guys! You have come so far and I know you'll go even farther. Just remember to have fun and stay in high spirits regardless of the outcome. You're an inspiration to us all.
Darfur United, you gentlemen are the most inspirational men out there! Not only for your people, but for me as well here at the states. I cannot believe how far you have all made it and it’s incredible to know you are in it to win it. You have people rooting for you here in Los Angeles, CA!! Congrats again and play with your hearts! God bless you guys!
Best luck!
Aloha from Hawaii
On hearts prayers and good wishes are for you and your families health , happiness and well being, all ways and forever.
Peace to You and Yours, love Aurora & Family
This is wonderful!! Darfur deserves this and more! I wish my son Charlton Breen were here to see this. He was devout in helping the people of Darfur to have a better life. He passed away in May 2010.
GO TEAM DARFUR!!
Greetings, Darfur United, from California! May your tournaments be lively and may you make many friends. Please consider us among your new friends! Lani Reinhart and Family.
Up Darfur United! Play hard! Give it your all! We're with you.
We are so ver
We are so very proud of everyone of you. Best of luck to you all. And enjoy this wonderful time.
From Coach Brian’s Grandfather and Grandmother.
FOR ALL THE TEAM
YOUR JOURNEY OF STRENGTH AND COURAGE IS VERY INSPIRING.
I HOPE THIS IS ONE STEP TO MANY MORE.
THANK YOU
DIANE
Go all the way team, all the way and make us proud out here… up D-united
This little poem’s for Darfur United,
A continent away, I write in silence, a Nebraska boy way too excited
for this team to kick butt, shredding the pitch, like, WHAT?!
Good luck DU!
GO TEAM GOOOOOO! aloha from hawaii!
You guys I am so proud and happy for you, I will simply say, good luck and do your best. is there any way that people in comps can watch the game specially the first much?
GO Darfur United! You are all amazing men and have inspired me to no end. Play hard and know that you are inspiring people the world over. GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!
Goodluck Team! We are all routing for you! This is your moment to shine, so seize the opportunity and play with your hearts! No matter the outcome we will always love and support you! Go Darfur United!
Good luck to you all. Our prayers and appreciation are with you. Now go get 'em!
All the best to a bunch of great guys! Play hard, be good sports, and be proud of yourselves and those whom you represent!
I always believe in my mind that every good leader must realizes that to create any physical/spiritual change in the world, must first create the best change in the minds of those he leads. It is our responsibility to spread the word,internationally.Wishing you all a wonderful good luck and amazing goals.
I am so inspired by you. Sing and dance as you play for all of us all over the world who wish you the best. All games should bring joy. You are already creating it. Play well!
After the horrors visited upon your nation, your resilience is truly inspiring. Onward Darfur United!
Darfur United: You are an inspiration and you are hope. You represent the remarkable people of Sudan who will overcome all obstacles to develop a country that helps build a peaceful and prosperous world. You are leading change! Go team!
In our hearts you are already the winners of the tournament.
May this journey exceed your expectations!
God bless and help people!
Good luck to the honorable players of Darfur United! You have already accomplished so much, and brought hope and inspiration to your people and your fans around the world. You will be in our hearts as you proudly represent a truly united Darfur!
Darfur United has brought so much excitement! I look forward to the updates of your journey everyday! No matter the outcome this has all been truly inspiring. GO DARFUR UNITED!
Chiquiti boom a la bim bom ba!!!!
Darfur United….Darfur United…rrra..rrra…rrra!!!!!
Go, Darfur United, go! Go for peace, for progress, go united! Best wishes for the upcoming games!
I am so excited to see what you are able to accomplish as a team. Victory will not be measured in terms of wins and losses, it will be measured in terms of the effort you display on the field, the passion with which you play as a team, and ultimately the pride you bring to each of your respective families and villages.
Play hard, the world is watching.
Glory Glory Darfur United!!! Wishing you all the very best in your games. You are a wonderful inspiration to us all.
WOO HOO!!! VIVA DARFUR UNITED!! Wishing you all the very best in this football competition. You are an inspiration to yourselves and your people!!!
GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!!
Good luck Darfur United! We wish you all the best throughout this incredible journey. Enjoy every minute of this amazing experience. You are our heros!
Your friends,
Reach For Change/ Elm Place School
What you have accomplished already is a miracle. I will be cheering from here (and Coach Mark know that you may be able to hear me). Good luck and enjoy the experience. We are all so very proud of you.
God's Speed Dafur United! You have been and continue to be an inspiration to so many!
You guys are inspiring. Congratulations! I pray every day that God will bless, help and watch over your country.
Best of luck in your first game against North Cyprus! You have fans around the world cheering you on! We are so proud of everything you have accomplished thus far and know that this journey will continue far beyond the Viva World Cup. Coach Mark… we are so proud of you as well! Your two greatest fans are sending all of their love from California! GOOD LUCK TEAM!
I wish all of you the very best! Just GO FOR IT TEAM! YAY for Darfur! Finally something "GOOD" happening there!
Congratulations on your achievements to date. Win or lose on Monday, you are all already winners in what you have achieved. Well done. S 🙂
Thank you, SMJ! And thank you for supporting the team.
Darfur United – You are all winners! Go for it! Behind you all the way!!!!!!
Suzie – Any way to watch the match tomorrow, do you know??
You can watch them here: http://darfurunited.com/games/ Also, we are going to record them and after the game at this same link I will have a link to the recorded version in case you miss it! It's also on satellite TV, Kurdistan channel: Galaxy 19 at 97.0°W
Ku-Band / Transponder 27
Freq: 12177 MHz
Pol: V
S/R: 23000 ksps
FEC: 3/4
Congratulations on your achievement. Play your hearts out.
Best of luck to all you guys, both on the field and off! Go Darfur!!!
All of us in Redding, California are cheering you on. We are so proud of all of you and rooting for you. Go Darfur United!
Go and do your best, and may God be with you. Edmund Swiger
Darfur United! You are already undisputed champions! You have brought so much hope to the people of Darfur. And you have inspired many more of us from all over the world. You are much more than soccer players! You are nothing short of history makers! — PS: We love you regardless of the outcomes of the games, but I did bet my children's college tuition on you guys….no pressure though.
God bless you all! The real prize is feeling the connection to life which you have so beautifully demonstrated by your courage and faith in the love in your hearts. Enjoy every moment!
Go, team!
Dear Team Darfur United,
You are true and majestic representatives of your people, rising above the many challenges and showing the world the strength of all Darfuris to create beauty out of darkness. I wish for you victory in all your endeavors, in the beautiful game and in life.
Peace, Edrie
God bless you all! You are already winners in the world's eyes and an inspiration to us all. Go Darfur United!
Connecticut, USA and friends of Coach Brian Cleveland are rooting for the team Darfu United. Each and every one of you have worked immensely hard to get to the VIVA World Cup. We know that you will play your best. Cherish the opportunity to show the world your strength of conviction and human spirit on and off the playing field. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you all. GO Team Darfur UNITED!!! Make yourselves proud!
All the very best of luck gentlemen! You are making history and no matter what the scores of the games it is important to remember the legacy you are creating. Great things come from small beginnings – play with pride, passion and a love for the game! Good Luck!
Darfur United, you are in our thoughts and prayers! You have inspired so many people to take action and we hope that you are able to cherish each amazing moment.
This is my new team now! I am rooting for you! I need a team shirt and season tickets!
My heart is with you although we are miles apart. You are the future and each one of you is a valued person in your own right, so keep your heads up high.
To the darfur United players: I wish you all the best. Play hard and show the world what wonderful people your country has! peace and prosperity to you and your country!
Congratulations to the team, and best luck on your matches.
Dear Darfur United,
Thank you so much for your resilience and inspiring example. Best wishes on your journeys and in your games. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Darfur United, you are all heroes and are an inspiration. Stay strong inside and regardless if your team win or loses, your determination, courage and hope stands for so much more. Peace be with you always and may God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand.
Darfur United!
What an amazing feat! All of your hard work has finally paid off. Good luck in the tournament. I know you guys can do it! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Now go out there and make everyone proud!
Thank you for being brave, sane, and compassionate beings in an insane world. Thank you does not really suffice.
Best of luck! God bless you on this amazing journey. The world is rooting for you!!!
have fun guy's! that's what it's all about!(:-)) vern russell american…
Best of luck to all of you. You deserve it!
Darfur United, you are already champions in our heart!
We're with you in spirit and so proud of how far you've come!
—Never Again Coalition from Portland, Oregon.
Go Darfur United! Best of Luck! Have fun and be safe!
Courage! Chin up! You guys ROCK!
Go Darfur United. You are winners in every sense of the word. Here in Canada we are cheering you on…have a wonderful time, you deserve it all. XO
Team Darfur United, I am wishing you the best of luck in the Viva World Cup. Play hard and give it your best. Most of all enjoy the journey. You have come so far and achieved so much. You are such an inspiration to all of us.
Coach Brian’s Mom
Good Luck, Team! We're rooting for you! No matter what, you are champions. You are an inspiration.
You’re not just playing a game, you’re making a statement and you’re making history. Remember that, and nothing will be able to stop you. Congratulations on all you’ve done so far and good luck on what lies ahead!
I hope you played well and are happy with the strength and courage you possess to make it there <3.
Congratulations is an understatement. The fact that you have the freedom to participate gives me chills. YOU are hope. YOU are future. YOU are inspiration to the world. I will follow your story and will share it with my students when we return to school in the fall. They can learn from you! They will see your willingness to not give up, to overcome extreme obstacles, and to push forward during challenges. You are the true heroes in the world and I want to know more about you! I wish you good luck, but more importantly, enjoy the games, enjoy the experience and let your lights shine in this world so that more people can learn about Darfur. (Hi Gabriel- hope you remember me- you stayed with me in Petaluma… I have never forgotten you or Katie and my school is still doing work with Africa. Blessings to you and THANK YOU for your hard work in making this happen… you can move mountains my friend. You continue to inspire me. ) Enjoy the games! 🙂 BIG CHEER FOR DARFUR UNITED! You are already winners!
Congratualtions on your first victory – getting here. I hope you are able to take medals and many signs of support back hom to your country.
Go Team Darfur United! Your t-shirts will be worn by some kids here in Los Angeles who I know, so the good word can spread about your spirit!
Stay strong and believe..bless you!
HOPE YOU WIN! GOOD LUCK!
Congratulations and the best of luck! 🙂
I follow every blog…only wish I could see you all compete. I hope your participation will bring even more attention to the situation you and your families face everyday. May this not be the only time you are together…we all need to make certain there is support for your efforts. Heroes one and all!
We here in Florida are so proud of all the Darfur players. They are an inspiration to us all.. So glad you, Alex, are there to take care of them. Good luck from Mom and Howard
We are so proud of your impressive effort and all you stand for, Darfur United. Your team spirit and determination spread hope to all for a better future…salaam.
YAYYYYYYYYYYYY TEAM UNITED!!!!!!!!!
YOU ARE SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
🙂
We were very excited to learn about ” The Goal Heard Around the World ” in a short time these amazing players/heroes/ambassadors have made anyone that knows about them swell with pride. Please pass on our admiration for these fine young men. Gabriel, KTJ and Mark have done excellent, impassioned and brilliant work with this team.
Go Darfur United!!!
P.S. Dylan loves his United. He just switched from Manchester to Darfur, however.
First goal achieved…nowhere to go but up. so proud.