Looking Back: The 2017 SSUSA National Cup Philadelphia
From June 9-11, 2017, SSUSA hosted its National Cup at the base of the Museum Steps, one of the most iconic locations in the city of Philadelphia. Adult teams from 12 SSUSA cities participated in the Social Change Cup and 67 youth teams from across Philadelphia as well as corporate teams had their turn on the pitch.
The National Cup included selection of the individuals who will participate in the 60-nation Homeless World Cup this August in Norway. This special honor was announced by Street Soccer USA’s newest Celebrity Ambassador, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and U.S. Women’s National Team World Champion goaltender, Hope Solo. “I have a deep amount of respect for every single one of you here today. Watching you guys play the game that I love with so much heart and so much passion and so much grit… You guys are out there showing us what the beautiful game is supposed to be like. This truly is the best part of what the beautiful game is,” said Solo as she addressed the players and spectators gathered on the Museum steps. Solo also shared a personal story of connection to SSUSA’s mission derived from her father’s homelessness throughout large periods of her childhood and she reminded the crowd that they should always believe in themselves and work towards their goals. “Some of my biggest, greatest triumphs, some of the memories that I still hold the fondest, didn’t come through privilege, but it came through struggle and my ability to overcome that struggle”, said Solo. “Those are the greatest memories of my life, those are the greatest triumphs of my life, they all came through struggle.” Solo was joined by former teammate and fellow gold medalist, Heather Mitts, as well as FaFa Picault, Ray Gaddis, and Adam Najem of MLS’s Philadelphia Union as the group presented each player with Participation Medals as well as naming eight individuals who best embodied the eight “Street Skills” which are the framework of SSUSA’s unique on-and- off-the- field development focused curriculum.
Following the selection and announcement of Team USA for the Homeless World Cup by Solo, Street Soccer USA honored Muhammad Ali with its Sport for Social Change Award. Council Member, Mark Squilla and Curtis Jones presented the award to Jacob Ali, Muhammad Ali’s grandson, who delivered an inspiring speech, which poignantly focused on the themes of perseverance and the power of believing in oneself.
In addition to the adult players competing in the National Cup, Philadelphia Area youth teams included those from all city districts and beyond: Kensington Soccer Club, Tuzos, West Philly SA, Anderson Monarchs, Starfinder Academy, Camden SC, Chester United, Upland Soccer for Success, RRSA, AC Fairhill, Trenton Boys and Girls Club, MVP360, among others.
The winners were:
Young Adult Cup: Twin City Alumni
U11 Girls: Haddon Township, NJ
U14 Boys: Buenavista Alcones, NY
U 16 Boys: Real Sunset, NY
Open Cup: Drexel Dragons (back-to- back Champs)
U10 Boys: Tuzos Philadelphia
U10 Girls: Lansing Lady Knights II
U12 Boys: Nether Orange
Quotes from the National Cup
“The National Cup really challenges me and forces me to be a better player and a better person. In a way it brings out the best in people.” – Marvin Flores, 27, Team ‘Change’ – San Francisco
“This tournament is for everybody. The most rewarding part of playing soccer is the great players to play and learn from.” – Nader Alawdi, 22, Team ‘Change’ – San Francisco
“The Cup was much more than just soccer. Most of us arrived as strangers and left with newly found friendships and people who supported us. It feels good to know they would be familiar faces in the future.” – Angie Garcia (San Francisco Women’s Team)
“Being in Philly for the Cup felt like a true vacation away from the stresses of life back home. Here I was exploring a new city, running around in a fun competition with friends I’d just met when just a year before I’d been in the lowest of the low. The experience was surreal”. – Nora Cata (San Francisco Women’s Team)