When soccer fans think of Diego Maradona, one of the sports greatest legends, few focus on the fact he began his life in an impoverished Argentine shantytown. Whats perhaps most remarkable about Maradonas meteoric rise is that its hardly unique. Soccers history is loaded with tales of individuals whove overcome seemingly insurmountable odds in order to join the worlds elite.
Founded in 2009, the Vancouver Street Soccer League sees the beautiful game as a potential catalyst for changing the lives of the citys most marginalized residents on the Downtown Eastside. Through practices and tournaments, the homeless, addicted, and otherwise at-risk not only improve their health but also learn about housing and employment opportunities and other support networks available to them.
We dont push, stresses Kurt Heinrich, who serves as the leagues director of communications and the Portland FC squads assistant coach. Some of the players just want to play soccer. But we find that the environment we create is so positive that, down the road, they are going to be looking at goal-setting... Looking at their life and how they can take it to the next level.
Erin Backer is one such player. Playing in the league since 2010, shes kicked addiction and represented Canada at the 2011 Homeless World Cup in Paris. She now works with the Boys & Girls Club and hopes to become a counsellor. Shes also been invited to share her experiences at the April 24 opening gala of the Projecting Change Film Festival.
And Backers is but one of many success stories. Weve had a number of people who are inspirational to me, enthuses Heinrich. Patrick Oleman went to the Homeless World Cup in Brazil. Not only did he build his own team Woodwards FC hes now running marathons. Hes working as a peer mentor with a First Nations running program and working with the Whitecaps.
Just as the VSSL continues to grow organically, the changes that occur in its players lives are often incremental. As their motto reads: Somehow we just have fun and the other parts mostly take care of themselves. That said, Heinrich and his colleagues welcome anyone interested in lending a hand.
Just show up, he suggests. We practise at Andy Livingstone Park (89 Carrall) at 10am on Thursdays and Sundays. The more the merrier. Were super inclusive. All skill sets. Even if you just want to cheer. Were looking for anybody who wants to support this program.
