Below are four select feature player stories from Team USA 2017
Congrats to all players and staff:
Men’s Team: Mejih A, Sergius A, Cliff B, Abdihakim J, Pedro G, Ulises J, Mark W
Women’s Team: Zaynab A, Maria Angelica G, Zamzam J, Shauntel P, Brittny S
Staff: Oliver Weiss, Peter Fink, Lisa Wrightsman, Tiffany Fraser
Chucho
I Play For Respect.
Young but wise, 18 year old Chucho enjoys thoughtfully observing the world around him. In Norway he continued to take in the different countries and cultures, observing the actions of those around him. Chucho appreciates how peaceful everyone here is. It’s the way he wants to change the world, encourage others to be more peaceful and less selfish. Family is the most important thing to him and the first thing he brought up when asked what makes him him. Without a dad in his life for most of his life, his mom and four sisters have been the ones there for him his whole life. On April 21 2007, his oldest sister passed away and life changed for him. His mom became sad and was going through a lot. No one was there for them, except their family and they continued to lean on each other. His oldest sister had taken on a lot of the responsibilities his dad should have filled and also taught the family English. But regardless, his mom continued to push Chucho and his sisters to keep going and to do well in school. Three years ago, Chucho got involved with Street Soccer USA Sacramento. The older men on the team and coaches have been a huge blessing to him and brought on even more of a family. His teammates have been through a lot of different things in life, different than him, but are able to relate and talk through life with him. After day one with the team, Chucho realized who he could be and he’s made impressive strides to being that man. Soon to be a senior in high school, Chucho is not slacking in school, he’s turning in all his work and respecting his teachers, something that was very different in his early years in high school.
Angie
I Play For Family.
The gang runs deep in Angie’s family. Growing up on gang front lines in San Francisco’s Mission District, Angie got sucked into gang activity and life on the street. She remembers the first time someone threatened to murder her at age seven. Her little cousin was kidnapped and she frequently feels harassed by the police. With alcoholism in the family, she started drinking at age 11 and spiraled out of control. However, when her nephew was born, she knew she needed to change her lifestyle. She was motivated to be a role model for them and to make sure she made it home to be with them. Since 2003, Angie has lost 23 people who are close to her and remembers the dates and moments of every single one. As one with a huge heart, feeling for those around her, it was emotionally draining. Education had been important to her, representing the mission district, people of color, and she knew it was her way out. However, an abusive relationship compounded issues and she her passion of soccer taken away as her academics slipped. For Angie, soccer was a way to channel her anger and fight for something meaningful, especially after a teammates passed away from cancer. But even before this friend passed away, she continued to play and give it her all. This inspired Angie to see that tomorrow is not promised. Angie is determined to not die by the bullet and to fight to show her family a better life, a tribute to her determination and loyalty. Angie, now 21, got back into soccer, via Street Soccer USA Bay Area’s program about four years ago. Reflecting back Angie says she’s changed a lot since then. The “I PLAY FOR” slogans and Street Soccer Curriculum Skills have stuck with her she’s been amazed at how she’s been able to apply soccer skills in her regular life. For example, having struggled with depression, “Show Up” really motivated her to fight through and still fulfill her responsibilities. ‘I Play For’ Love is one of many that stick with her. Angie has a heart tattooed on the inside of her lip, signifying that she wants to always speak love. Outside of soccer, Angie is motivated to continue improving herself and those around her.
Sergius
I Play For Change.
Living a stable, but stagnant life in North Carolina with his family, Sergius, now 33, wasn’t feeling fulfilled with his life and was motivated to improve and do more. This prompted a move to Utah. In Utah, Sergius didn’t find much stability, he working in manufacturing, got laid off and rehired on several occasions. This created difficulties with his new fiancé and Sergius determined it was time to move on. Sergius moved to San Francisco, prepared to rent an apartment, only to find it was fraud. He lost all the money he put into it. Because of that, Sergius was forced into the shelter system. A few months in, Sergius started playing with the Street Soccer USA – Bay Area program and started working again, this time with more stable hours. Through Street Soccer USA, Sergius has appreciated being around motivated, supportive people and found the importance of being positive and staying focused on his goals.
Shauntel
I Play For Family.
Now a coach at SSUSA Sacramento youth program, Shauntel has a history with Street Soccer which sets her apart from other members of the 2017 team. Street Soccer USA was introduced to Shauntel when she was only 10 years old. Shauntel, her mother, and four siblings were living at a Volunteers of America Transitional housing community for the recently homeless where the SSUSA Sacramento Adult teams were started. Shauntel’s mother joined Sacramento’s Lady Salamanders, the SSUSA Sacramento women’s team. Her mother was a Homeless World Cup participant in 2011, now Shauntel is following in her footsteps as a leader and inspiration for other street soccer female players. From a playing standpoint, Shauntel was a standout for the women’s team in Oslo.
