HOMELESS WORLD CUP 2017 – OSLO, NORWAY
From August 28 – September 5th, representatives from Street Soccer USA programs across the country, both men and women, took the field as Team USA at the Homeless World Cup in Oslo, Norway. This year our team featured representatives from Charlotte, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, St. Louis, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Washington, DC.
Our men’s team placed finished the 2017 tournament with a 6-6 record, placing 28th out of 48 countries represented, while the ladies team placed 18th out of 19 countries represented, pulling in 1 win in the tournament v. Belgium.
A big thanks to our National Board Member Shiela Johnson for her ongoing sponsor of the Street Soccer USA women’s team, the Lady Salamanders. Read More about our Ladies First Initiative with Shiela Johnson at www.streeetsoccerusa.org/ladiesfirst
Street Soccer USA has been the United States representative to the annual tournament since 2005 sending over 210 players and coaches abroad to represent our organization and country. An astounding 92% of Street Soccer USA National Team members have maintained their upwards trajectory after being part of Team USA. Many of still serve as coaches, mentors and even staff.
The tournament was about more than just soccer though. All Street Soccer USA National Team members went through a leadership process during their 10 days in Norway where the SSUSA Curriculum skills were emphasized. All players are coming home to have an even deeper impact on their local city team and community.
Street Soccer USA’s Life Skills in Action at the Homeless World Cup
“Adjust Your Play”
Cliff Byrd let his frustration get the best of him after he was unhappy with his play in one of the HWC games. When confronted by Oliver Weiss, SSUSA’s National Program Director, and asked what he thought would be an appropriate response to his …… situation, Cliff responded with the correct answers: “I need some time to calm down, may I step aside and decompress” – YES, YOU MAY, Cliff. After 20 min he returned and apologized and we discussed how he can cut down the time it takes for him to overcome his anger and frustration with whatever plagues him in a given situation. We talked about slow breathing, to focus on positive things. He committed to showing sportsmanship and no matter the outcome of the game, or his personal performance, he was going to shake hands with the opponents and wishing them a “Good game” showing respect for their efforts. Cliff’s example was synonymous with the problem solving many of the coaches and players saw repeatedly during the entire trip.
Clif Byrd pictured in Oslo, Norway
“Showing Up”
The first life skill taught at Street Soccer USA is to “show up”. This means not only being on time for whatever task is in front of us, but being 100% mentally present as well. It is a skill that teaches accountability, preparation and requires persistence.
This skill was tested one night off the pitch as one of our Men’s Team’s player, Ulises and a few teammates came back 15 minutes late to curfew. Ulises was honest and took it upon himself to not only report his failure to “show up” on time, but apologized and took responsibility for his actions. As a result, he was kept out the first half in a match vs Israel. By the end of the first half, the team trailed 1-3. When Ulises entered the game in 2nd half, the team ended up turning the game around and winning 8-3. This turn of events allowed coach Oliver to expand on the SSUSA’s lesson of showing up. Oliver explained, “the team benefits when all players play their role and contributed to their fullest”. Needless to say, Ulises was terrific the entire trip even before this minor mishap and his teammates and coach couldn’t have been more proud of his performance both on and off the soccer pitch.
The Mens National Team pictured in Oslo (Ulises top row second from right)
The Street Soccer USA Curriculum
