New to the Street Soccer USA program this year, the Lady Salamanders will be the first women's team to represent the United States in the Homeless World Cup. After the 2010 Street Soccer USA Cup, eight women will be chosen to be a part of the Lady Salamanders and represent the United States at the Homeless World Cup. The Homeless World Cup is an international street soccer tournament, this year featuring 16 women's programs among the teams from 64 different nations.
In 2010, the Homeless World Cup will be played in Rio de Janiero, Brazil from September 19-26. The tournament, played on CopacabanaBeach will host three soccer pictches and a crowd of 5,000 spectators each day.
The Lady Salamanders have been established by Sheila Johnson, entrepreneur and Washington Mystics WNBA owner, Sheila is a dedicated sport for social change advocate.
More about the “Lady Salamanders” - the first national all-women soccer team
Although homeless statistics reflect that women make up less of a percentage than men, thousands of women across the country have to live in degraded conditions on streets and in parks. Street Soccer USA fosters its efforts to turn the lives of homeless women for the better.
In 2009, Street Soccer USA took just one woman to the Homeless World Cup. That participant, Ebony Wright of Charlotte, encourages the women’s initiative, “Being the only girl was tough, real tough. I think more of us would get involved, bond together, and try to improve ourselves if we had our own team. The first all-women team is an awesome idea. It’s going to mean a lot.” After three years of homelessness, Ebony joined the SSUSA program and committed to her goals, which have included finding work and moving into an apartment.
Another success story of a homeless woman participating in the street soccer program is Jasmine from Minneapolis: Since joining the team, Jasmine has enrolled in college for the fall, found employment, and is looking forward to moving out of the shelter soon. “I’m going to continue playing soccer because I love the game and during my hard times, soccer was there for me. In soccer, like in life, I never give up until I reach my goals,” Jasmine says.
The womens team competing in Brazil will be called the “Lady Salamanders”. In world mythology the salamander represents strength, courage, and fortitude, all necessary components to overcome great obstacles and create social change. Sheila Johnson has embodied these qualities her entire life, and chose the name Salamander for her successful hospitality business based in Northern Virginia.
The Lady Salamander street soccer program will work onsite in shelters and group homes across the country, tying teamwork and sports-based lessons directly to education and employment outcomes through a curriculum that focuses on teamwork, self esteem, healthy living, and financial literacy.
The Lady Salamander street soccer initiative with SSUSA is the latest of Ms. Johnson’s Philanthropic projects. She recently produced the film, “The Other City,” which highlights the AIDS epidemic in Washington, DC and how it disproportionately affects the impoverished. Please visit www.theothercity.com for more information.
