by Adriana Sanchez (WMTW)
Monday, May 30th, 2022
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PORTLAND, Maine —
For the first time, the Immigrant Welcome Center and USL to Portland are coming together to host “Soccer Saturday for New Mainers.”
“Soccer is loved by so many people in the world, but especially within the immigrant community," said Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, founder of USL to Portland. "It resonates quite highly. What better way to welcome these people to Portland with the game that they love?”
USL to Portland will be giving out free soccer balls. Other organizations will be donating snacks and books and college representatives will be onsite to provide information about free community college and course offerings.
Reza Jalali, executive director of the Immigrant Welcome Center, said he hopes this event will open opportunities within the immigrant community.
“In many ways, we look at soccer as a leadership opportunity for these young kids,"Jalali said. "So, it's more than a game for many of them."
Jalali said the community is excited for this event and to be able to play the sport they grew up watching and playing.
“In the process gain a sense of ownership in the community that this is home for many of us regardless of where we were born and how we got here,” Jalali said.