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Soccer gives refugees in San Diego a chance

For many refugee children, attempting to adapt to life in the US can be challenging. Language barriers, cultural differences and post-traumatic stress disorder are all obstacles to overcome on the road to resettlement.

But one young recent graduate from San Diego is attempting to make life a little easier for refugees – through soccer. Twenty-six-year-old Mark Kabban’s soccer program, Yalla, has proven to be a huge success with over 200 children participating since it was founded in 2009.

The project makes the most of the children’s enthusiasm for soccer to improve their prospects in education and work, granting them an opportunity to succeed.

Listen to the report by Mischa Wilmers in San Diego:

Soccer gives refugees in San Diego a chance

Mark with members of a YALLA soccer team

Mark is a role model for his “kids”

Mark at YALLA soccer practice

Succeeding in sports gives the kids the confidence to set their sights high

 

More on YALLA’s website.

(first published August 20, 2013):

Date

Tuesday 24.06.2014 | 15:16

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