After starting the USL League Two season 4-0-1, the unbeaten Green now look to a midweek matchup with community partners Juba Star FC for the annual friendly presented by Ben & Jerry’s.
HISTORY
Vermont Green FC and Juba Star FC are set to play their third annual friendly, a match that celebrates Vermont’s rich soccer community and demonstrates both club’s mission to expand access to the game in an equitable way. The match is presented by Ben & Jerry’s, showcasing their continued commitment to social justice initiatives in the Green Mountain State. The iconic Vermont ice cream brand joins forces with the two clubs, who together have reached significant fundraising, awareness, and accessibility goals in 2023 that were documented in the 2023 Environmental Justice Mission Report. From clothing and cleat donations, to field access, to donations of soccer balls, philanthropic efforts have been the cornerstone of the partnership.
The Green have won both previous meetings, but Juba Star FC have always shown up for the match, including scoring first in the 2023 clash.
JUBA STAR IN FOCUS
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, ages 14 and older, and provides assistance with transportation to games and practices, which can often be a significant barrier to participation in immigrant communities.
Juba Star FC finished as runner ups in the 2023 Elite 11 league, and started off the 2024 summer by lifting a trophy at an invitational tournament in Plattsburgh, NY.
The club will feature multiple familiar faces to Vermont Green FC including former players Riley Urie, Amerlin Nemeye, and Rida Kori. The shared DNA of the two clubs will be on display, but for ninety minutes they will both be vying for a derby win.
HAJI HOMECOMING
It will be a special night for Vermont Green FC midfielder Siad Haji. The Somalia international has played for both clubs and his experience is inspirational to many. While the attacking-threat is still working back to full fitness, the match will serve as a big moment for him on the pitch, and with many friends and family in the stands.
ANTI-RACIST SOCCER NIGHT AT VIRTUE FIELD
Saturday night’s match will be Anti-Racist Soccer Night, celebrating Vermont Green FC and Juba Star FC’s commitment to combating racism in the sport, in Vermont and beyond.
ON THE CONCOURSE
Come to the match hungry and thirsty! Jilib Jiblets and Church Street Cheesesteaks will be serving food, and Zero Gravity, Shacksbury, and Smugglers’ Notch Distillery will supply the adult beverages. Gates will open 1.5 hours before kickoff at 4:30pm.
WATCH THE MATCH
Vermont Green fans will be able to watch the match on vermontgreenfc.com/streaming and on local cable WYCI. Tickets are still available but may not be for long. Grab yours at tickets.vermontgreenfc.com.