UP Soccer Alum Launches First Soccer Program for Girls in Darfuri Refugee Camps
Rachael Rapinoe, graduate of University of Portland and former Pilots soccer teammate, will join i-ACT, CA-based nonprofit, on an upcoming trip to Darfuri refugee camps in eastern Chad. Over the last year, Rapinoe has helped create the core curriculum for the first ever Darfuri refugee soccer academy for girls and boys ages 6-13, Darfur United Soccer Academy. Last year, i-ACT won the Peace and Sport NGO of the Year award in 2012 for its work with the Darfur United (DU) men’s team. Now, they are expanding their work to include the Academy.
#Tools4Peace
Next week, members of the i-ACT team depart for Darfur refugee camps to help teach #tools4peace through Darfur United and Little Ripples. Our team will be Gabriel Stauring, i-ACT Project Coordinator Sara-Christine Dallain, and Darfur United Coach Ambassador Rachael Rapinoe. Be part of this exciting journey! Follow along on our trip blog here. We will also be posting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow, reply, and comment by using the hashtag #tools4peace.
Spirit of Darfur United
I first met Alex through an email request. A Manhattan Beach Sand & Surf soccer coach emailed me asking if we had a need for used soccer gear. We had already been collecting balls and jerseys from the soccer team that Gabriel’s son is on, so it was only natural to...