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CityNews: Canadians Come Through for Refugee Soccer Team
Posted in: In the News by Kate Weersink on August 4, 2010
(CityNews, August 4, 2010)
Almost a week after members of a refugee soccer team from Hamilton were denied access to their flight, they are finally getting ready to head to England for an international youth tournament.
Last Thursday, Air India staff barred eight members of United FC from boarding their flight because they didn’t have travel visas. In a meeting in May, officials from the British Consulate General advised them a permanent resident card and travel document from Ottawa would be enough.
The team – made up of refugees and troubled youth from Afghanistan, Latin America and Africa – was discouraged, but set itself the goal of raising $5,600 to cover the cost of rebooking fees and visas.
Amazingly, when individuals, companies and communities across the country heard about the debacle, more than $13,000 in donations poured in.
“The support of Canadians from coast to coast has been incredible,” said coach Leo Johnson.
“Whether it was a donation, or kind words, the boys are overjoyed with the interest people have taken in them. We are all very grateful.”
Johnson has picked up the players’ visas at the British High Commission in Ottawa and the team is scheduled to fly out Wednesday night to meet their teammates at the Arsenal International Soccer Festival.
The extra funds raised will go towards other costs and a loan the team took out to play in the tournament.
Johnson and Mark Sinke started United FC in 2007 to share their love of soccer with immigrants from difficult backgrounds.
The Arsenal International Soccer Festival runs until Sunday.
