Wednesday September 4, 2024
By COLTON KEMP
A soccer player in the Faribault United Youth Soccer league receives a trophy to the applause of the community around him Saturday. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)
It was rare for Muna Mohamed’s sons to go out or make friends. That recently changed.
Since they joined other Somali youth around middle-school age in the summer soccer league, Faribault United Youth League, she said both her sons have flourished. The league finished its middle school tournament Saturday evening, marking an end to a possibly life saving summer for some youth.
At the end of the night, much like the recent high-school league’s finale, the organizers handed out trophies to youth who performed exceptionally. This time, they had some additional awards for parents and administrators as well.
All this nearly got the axe by the Faribault Public School Board in late 2022, after the white community complained the anti-drug grant discriminated against them since it was meant to focus on groups who’ve historically faced discrimination. The grant was ultimately accepted.
The grant led to the formation of the Prevention Partnerships for Healthy Youth Coalition, a group of community members tasked with divvying out the grant money. That coalition used part of the grant to help fund the soccer goals and the league’s supplies.
Specifically, the league brings together Somali youth. It’s not a rule that players must be Somali; that’s just who it was marketed to by the Somali Community Resettlement Services Youth Program Coordinator Harun Abdi.
“Growing up in a new country can sometimes feel isolating, and having a place where they can see themselves reflected in their peers and leaders can make a world of difference,” Abdi said. “It allows them to express themselves more freely, understand that their culture is valued and build confidence in who they are.”
League Manager Ahmed Ali said it’s good to bring together Somali youth, but not just to prevent them from going down a bad path in life.
“Other than bringing us together, it protects us from bad stuff and other activities,” he said. “But I would say it’s good to bring these kids and come together with a sport they enjoy. In Faribault, there’s not many opportunities, so giving them the opportunity is a good thing.”
He said the league instills confidence in the kids and even the parents.
“It’s very important the parents know the kids have the opportunity to do bold things in the Somali community,” he said. “We have a community, and we’re capable of doing whatever we want to do. And not just sitting at home and watching YouTube and stuff. They get an opportunity to see their kids play and pursue the sport.”
Faribault United Youth League’s middle-school league plays out the final game of the summer Saturday evening at Jefferson Elementary School. (Colton Kemp/southernminn.com)
Abdi said embracing their shared culture and identity is important.
“For our Somali kids, being part of a group with a shared culture helps them navigate the challenges of balancing their heritage with their life here,” he said. “It’s important for them to see that they’re not alone in this journey and that their experiences are understood and respected. As someone who shares their background, I know firsthand how empowering it can be to have a community that supports you. This program offers more than just a place to play. It’s a space where they can belong, grow and develop a strong sense of identity.”
He said hearing giving them a place to belong is the whole point of the league.
“Watching these young individuals gain confidence, build friendships and come out of their shells is exactly why we do what we do,” he said. “It’s a privilege to play a part in their development, and stories like this remind us of the importance of fostering a community where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.”
Khalid Gulet and Khadar Gulet are brothers and were teammates who made it to Saturday’s finale. Their mom, Muna Mohamed, said she was surprised how good her sons were at the game.
“It was amazing,” she said. “And I was really impressed how they were playing soccer. I was never paying attention when they were playing soccer. But when I see them, they are really interested, and they’re really focusing on soccer, nothing else. They love soccer and it’s so amazing to see.”
She said being around youth of a shared background has helped her sons grow socially.
“My oldest son, he was not outspoken before, but now he’s really open,” she said. “He’s been having a lot of friends, talks to everybody, learning new faces, learning so many things. I’m so happy about it. The soccer and the community changed everything. We’re very happy for the support.”
Mohamed said there was a time when she didn’t feel the Faribault community had their back. That’s not the case anymore.
“As a parent, I’m really proud of how the community has been supporting us,” she said. “Before, they were not like this. But now, it’s completely changed. They’re loving and supporting each other, which is amazing to see. I love it here.”