Vermont Green FC will host Burlington-based club Juba Star FC in a friendly match on Monday, June 2 at 7pm at Virtue Field. The match will be presented by Ben & Jerry’s for a fourth straight season, and serve as a fundraiser for Juba Star FC and the Somali Bantu Community Association. The match celebrates the partnership between the two football clubs, as they aim to expand access to soccer in Vermont’s New American and Refugee communities.
“We are thrilled to announce our upcoming friendly match with Vermont Green. The opportunity to compete against a top team will not only challenge us, but also fuel our passion for the beautiful game. Our community team embraces every moment, and we look forward to showcasing our growth and love for soccer on the field.” said Noore Bulle, founder of Juba Star FC. “Thank you to Vermont Green for their continued support and partnership in fostering our enthusiasm for the sport.”
Juba Star Football Club is a Somali Bantu-led organization that has been operating in the state since 2006. The organization was established to provide a safe space for the growth and development of former refugee and immigrant youth in Vermont. The club has expanded over the years, hosting players who have immigrated from Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Yemen, Nepal, Sudan, Burundi, as well as players born in the United States. The organization runs free soccer clubs for youth and adults, and provides assistance with transportation to games and practices, which can often be a significant barrier to participation in immigrant communities.
“Our work alongside Juba Star FC and the Somali Bantu Community Association of Vermont continues to be one of the cornerstones of our club. This match is just one part of our joint effort to expand access to soccer in our community, and we’re so pleased to continue this tradition in 2025.” said Patrick Infurna, Vermont Green FC co-founder. “Ben & Jerry’s have been an active and engaged partner since our club’s inaugural season, and their eagerness to support this match particularly, and the work around it, is something we’re incredibly grateful for.”
Vermont Green FC and Juba Star FC have been in partnership since the Green’s inaugural season in 2022. Within the partnership, the Green and its fans have donated field rentals, equipment, and footwear. In 2024, Ben & Jerry’s donated $5,000 to Juba Star FC to help subsidize their attendance in the Louisville International Outdoor Cup and to expand free youth programming in the Burlington area.
Last year, Vermont Green FC and Juba Star FC faced off in front of 1,739 fans at Virtue Field. Brattleboro High School and Vermont Academy alumnus Ayoub Lajhar scored two goals in a 4-0 victory for the Green.
Tickets to the match with Juba Star FC, as well as all single match tickets, are on sale now at tickets.vermontgreenfc.com.
