We’re excited to introduce our 16 athletes, chosen from our SSUSA programs in Sacramento, New York, and Charlotte. These players have overcome many challenges, coming from the shelter system, wrongful incarceration, or as refugees and asylum seekers. SSUSA has been an important part of their journey and a source of hope in their lives.
Jonathan Torres (New York, NY)
Jonathan was born in Los Angeles, California. He entered the foster care system at 14, and later found himself living on the streets by age 20. At 25, he became a father and moved into a family shelter, but after his partner and child moved to an apartment he lost his eligibility to stay in the family shelter and returned to life on the streets. In 2021, Jonathan’s life began to improve when he found support at HELP USA shelters which provided him with a safe place to stay and social workers who were resourceful and supportive. In 2023, he joined the Street Soccer USA program, he shared that Street Soccer USA has profoundly impacted his life, providing him with a sense of belonging and hope. Through soccer, he has discovered the strength to overcome his challenges and the joy of contributing to something larger than himself.
Regina Atilano
Regina and her family play at the SSUSA Park 5 nights a week, and have since the Sac SSUSA Park opened in 2020. Regina just turned 16 and is a great soccer player. She attends Cristo Rey High School on a scholarship where she plays on the Varsity girls soccer team and Basketball team. When she is not playing sports, she makes time to coach for SSUSA and our after school soccer programs. Regina is thriving at Cristo Rey, is an amazing big sister to her younger siblings, a great soccer player and role model with a lot to look forward to in her future.
Tre Wright (Sacramento, CA)
Tre has overcome quite a bit the last year, including wrongful charges leading to incarceration. After release he joined a Salvation Army program to get support and back on his feet. He recently graduated from the program, is working for Target part time and attending Street Soccer weekly. He says coming to SSUSA every week has felt like getting a new family. He is very focused on doing good and finding good positive people to build a life with and around.
Mandy Na
Mandy was born in Thailand and moved to the US in elementary school. Mandy has a bubbly, bright personality and is one of the stand-out leaders on the team.
Charly Kalubi
Charly was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has played competitive soccer for years. She is a true fan of the sport and loves watching professional soccer during her free time.
Glory Mang
Glory grew up in Myanmar before her family eventually moved to America. She is currently in her final year of university studying biomedical science.
Hozehna Shar
Hozehna grew up in Thailand, but moved to America when she was young. She is a college graduate and plans to be a teacher one day.
Giselle Uwimbibazi
Giselle was born in Rwanda and later moved to America. She has a great sense of humor, and she is a great encouragement to her teammates. She works as a nursing assistant and is currently studying to become a licensed nurse.
Soli Franchesco
Soli was born in Eritrea, but grew up in Ethiopia before moving to America. She is passionate about helping people, and she is attending university to complete a degree in social work.
Fam Tha Meng
Fam Tha was born in Myanmar, but she has lived in America since she was a young girl. Fam Tha is a very hard worker and does everything with excellence. Her goal is to work in the business world, and she is currently finishing a degree in Human Resource Management.
Obed Mugisha
Obed grew up in Rwanda, but he has lived in America since he was a young boy. Obed brings energy and enthusiasm to the US team. He is currently in his second year of college studying business.
Abdelhafiz Boush
Abdelhafiz was born in Sudan before later moving to America. Abdelhafiz is trusted and respected by those who know him, and the US team looks to his leadership often. He is currently in college studying exercise science.
David Mbuyu
David is Congolese, but he moved to America while he was young. David has played competitive soccer his whole life, even earning the opportunity to play in college. As one of the more experienced players, the US team will rely upon David during big moments.
Husni Muhumed
Husni was born in Djibouti and moved to the US when he was in high school. Husni’s childhood nickname is “smiley”, and his happiness and joy uplifts those around him.
Tho Reh
Tho has been playing soccer since he was a young boy in Thailand. In America, soccer has helped Tho make wonderful friendships. Tho is a hard worker and he has been working as a car mechanic for over 6 years.
Alimini Ali
Alimini, also known as “Ali”, was born in Ethiopia. He is a recent high school graduate, and he is currently working as a screen printer for a shirt company. Ali plays soccer with a deep love and joy for the game.