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MISSION: The #SheBelongs Soccer Project is a long-term program of bonding events and competitions to engage communities of refugee and non-refugee girls through soccer in the USA and around the world. Through this program we break down gender equality walls and create a safe, empowering space for these girls. In doing so we:
- Foster true belonging.
- Improve emotional well-being.
- Empower girls to reach their fullest potential as athletes, wage-earners, and citizens.
INAUGURAL TRIP: To launch the #SheBelongs Project, we are assembling a full team of 22 female players (50/50 refugee/non-refugee) from Utah to travel to the Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia & New Zealand in mid-July 2023, with a special stop in Japan on the way. The Refugee Soccer #SheBelongs Team will play friendlies against local teams, visit refugees, speak with lawmakers, and attend a USWNT match.
MEET THE TEAM (Click for bios)
NEWS COVERAGE
VIDEO GALLERY
GET INVOLVED: There are various ways to support this exciting project. Click a link below to learn more.
MORE DETAILS BELOW
OVERVIEW:
WHY?
To shine the light of fresh perspective and hope on the struggles of refugee girls to succeed wherever they resettle and provide opportunities for host communities (teams, local governments, and businesses) to welcome and empower these amazing humans who’ve already overcome so much in their refugee journey and aspire to do so much more.
WHAT?
A four-month program designed to exemplify the positive impact of connecting diverse communities through soccer as we form a unified team of 22 girls to travel to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, with a stop in Japan, sharing the message that all girls belong and showcase how soccer becomes the powerful glue that brings the world together.
WHERE?
- Preparation and Training: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Destination: Auckland, New Zealand & Tokyo, Japan
WHEN?
- March: Preparation & Launch
- April: Team formed, and practices & events begin.
- May-June: Ongoing training & logistics preparation
- July: Trip (July 9-24, 2023)
WHO?
20 female soccer players living in Utah ages 16-18 with half the young women from refugee backgrounds and the other half from established, non-refugee, local communities.
One head coach and two assistant coaches from Utah with strong preference for female coaches especially in head coach role.
AMBASSADORS–A handful of prominent and passionate professional women soccer players to serve as Ambassadors for the #SheBelongs Team.
10 adult female volunteers to support the team and provide supervision, guidance, and logistical support. This volunteer role is crucial to making this trip happen safely and with maximum impact. Role will be to help the team generally to ensure smooth logistical operations and overall support of players and coaches.
Forward-thinking, socially aware businesses who wish to champion the advancement of women and refugees while generating goodwill and brand appeal locally, nationally, and around the world. (Sponsorship information available here.)
Reach out anytime below with questions.
EMAIL shebelongs@refugeesoccer.org or TEXT +1-801-931-1170