Darfur United Joy

Darfur United Joy

We walk off of the plane and a nice, sharp cold hits us. This is not southern California, and it’s definitely not eastern Chad. Östersund, Sweden might be an odd place for an all-refugee team from Darfur to meet up with its coaching and management team from the...
Take Part in Darfur United’s Story

Take Part in Darfur United’s Story

It did not start as a happy story. On the contrary, Ismail’s refugee story begins as most refugee stories do: with violence, loss, and heartbreak. Young Ismail used soccer to renew his heart, and he grew up to be one of the most positive, joyful people...
A New Football Academy for My New Friend, Anu

A New Football Academy for My New Friend, Anu

I made a new buddy. His name is Anu. For the four days of visiting refugee site Gado, he was next to me just about every minute. We went this way and that way, as we explored the camp and prepared for the training and selection of the new Refugees United Soccer...
Refugee Feet

Refugee Feet

These feet have escaped unimaginable violence, walked countless miles, and crossed international borders. These are the feet of refugees, and now they to get kick footballs—and experience the pure joy of play. For us to be here, so many things have to come together....