Soccer: More Than Just a Game, It's a Global Language of Connection and Belonging
The Dedication of a Soccer Mom: A Journey Across the East Coast for the Love of the Game
As a devoted soccer mother, my weekends are often spent traversing the Eastern Seaboard, from the bustling cities of Massachusetts to the historic landscapes of Virginia, all in support of my son's passion for soccer. There are moments during these extensive drives when I question the intensity of my commitment, yet the truth is, this reality was envisioned long before my son's birth, a manifestation of a deeply held desire.
An Immigrant's Legacy: The Athletic Spirit Inherited from a Colombian Mother
My heritage is rooted in Colombia, where my mother, a skilled athlete, proudly represented her nation in both basketball and tennis. She excelled during an era when women's sports were not yet recognized as mainstream. I vividly recall stories of her competitive tennis matches with her elder sister and her profound affection for basketball. My mother, standing at an impressive 5-foot-10, was exceptionally tall by Colombian standards.
Seeking a Sense of Belonging: How Sports Provided Solace for a Tall Colombian Woman
Basketball offered my mother a rare arena where her height was an asset, allowing her to feel a sense of belonging. However, this feeling was fleeting. At seventeen, she became pregnant, married my father, and soon after, my brother and I were born. Convinced that Colombia could not offer the future she envisioned for us, our family immigrated to the United States when my brother was seven and I was three years old.
From Survival to Sport: The Resurgence of Athletics in a New Homeland
Upon our arrival as new immigrants, the immediate priority was survival, pushing sports into the background. After several challenging years, my mother established stability, and sports gradually re-entered our lives. This time, it wasn't tennis or basketball, nor was it initiated by my mother. My brother discovered his love for baseball, a sport unfamiliar to our family. I believe his choice was driven by a yearning for acceptance, as being an immigrant child can be incredibly isolating. Baseball, in a way, allowed him to finally embrace an American identity.
The Unfamiliarity of Soccer: A Colombian Childhood Spent Watching, Not Playing
Growing up, my sole ambition was to gain my older brother's approval, which led me to follow him onto the baseball field. Both of us inherited our mother's athletic prowess and continued to play throughout high school. Baseball symbolized acceptance and community in the United States. Ironically, each visit back to Colombia highlighted a disconnect; the sport that made me feel at home in America left me feeling out of place there. Colombian children played soccer incessantly—in the streets, on beaches, in schoolyards, and every available open space. I, however, struggled with a soccer ball, my toes protesting with every kick. Consequently, I became an observer of their games.
A Mother's Promise: Ensuring Future Generations Connect Through the World's Game
I cannot pinpoint the exact moment, but I distinctly remember the vow I made to myself: my future children would engage in the world's most popular sport—soccer. My aspiration was for them to be able to play anywhere, connect with anyone, in any country, and instantly forge bonds. As soon as my son, Mateo, took his first steps, I introduced him to a soccer ball. To my delight, my mother's athletic genes clearly manifested in him. Mateo has been an avid participant in competitive soccer since the age of eight, demonstrating a profound love for the game.
Beyond the Field: Soccer's Transformative Impact on a Young Life
Soccer has bestowed upon him more than just athletic ability; it has cultivated confidence, discipline, and a deep appreciation for teamwork, fostering a strong sense of community. I have witnessed how the lessons learned on the pitch have molded his interactions with the world and others. One of my greatest hopes was that soccer would provide him with a universal sense of belonging, and that dream has unequivocally come true. He has played soccer in Brazil's favelas, on Senegal's beaches, and in Colombia's streets. Everywhere he has traveled, a soccer ball has accompanied him, and friendships have blossomed effortlessly.
The World Cup's Dual Significance: Global Celebration and Immigrant Concerns
This is why the World Cup holds such immense importance. Soccer is the global game, and on June 11th, the World Cup is set to arrive in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This should be a moment of collective joy, connection, and international festivity. Instead, it arrives at a time when immigrant communities across the United States are grappling with fear. The current administration has indicated that ICE will maintain a presence at World Cup matches. While the precise nature of this presence remains ambiguous, the very notion of ICE's involvement with the world's most beloved sporting event sends a distressing message to immigrant communities.
A Call for Inclusion: The Movement to Keep ICE Out of the World Cup
I am honored to stand among numerous individuals and over seventy organizations that have united across diverse ideologies and sectors to demand: "No ICE in the Cup!" We advocate against ICE's presence in stadiums, airports, and on our streets. Our desire is for all communities, particularly immigrants, to feel welcomed, secure, and liberated from fear. Last weekend, young people aged 9 to 13 participated in a soccer tournament, united by the shared conviction that ICE has no place in the World Cup. This embodies the true essence of soccer: discovering common ground amidst differences and safeguarding one another.
The Essence of Community: Soccer as a Symbol of Dignity and Safety for All
Soccer fosters a profound sense of belonging, reminding us that everyone deserves to feel secure, both on and off the field. My pride as a soccer mom has never been greater than it is now, as I stand in solidarity with others to champion immigrant communities and assert that every individual, regardless of immigration status, merits dignity, safety, and the freedom to live without fear from a government whose intentions appear to be harmful. This extends beyond a mere game; it encapsulates the essence of communal living, a tangible expression of care, and defines what it means to be a nation.
