Vermont Green FC announced today that the club will take on local club and community partner Juba Star FC in a friendly match this summer, the third edition of the fundraiser match.
The match will be played on June 5th, 2024 at 6pm at Virtue Field and is the first of three non-league matches in the Vermont Green FC summer schedule. Burlington-based ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s will be the title partner of the match for a third consecutive season as the match aims to highlight and celebrate the partnership between the two football clubs and to expand access to soccer in Vermont’s New American and Refugee communities.
“Working with Vermont Green has been truly transformative for our community. Their support and passion have uplifted the spirits of our players, instilling in them a belief that there is something truly special to fight for on and off the field. The connections and trust we have built with Vermont Green have not only strengthened our organization, but have also led to increased collaboration and support from communities and organizations around us. Together, with Vermont Green by our side, we are creating a positive impact that resonates far beyond the confines of a soccer match. It’s a partnership that embodies the true spirit of unity and empowerment.” said Noor Bulle, Player Manager of Juba Star FC.
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.
“This match and celebration alongside Juba Star FC and Ben & Jerry’s for a third straight year is exemplary of the relationships we strive to build within our community.” said Vermont Green FC co-founder Sam Glickman. “Bringing together the established soccer community as well as like-minded, mission-aligned partners like Ben & Jerry’s to showcase Vermont’s talent–all while supporting causes fundamental to our ethos–this is what it’s all about.”
Last year, Vermont Green FC and Juba Star FC celebrated their friendship with an exciting match at Virtue Field that ended 4-1 to the Green. In conjunction with Ben & Jerry’s, the clubs raised funds for Juba Star FC to attend the Louisville International Outdoor Cup and to expand youth programming in the Burlington area. In addition, Vermont Green FC donated 25 soccer balls to the club and helped collect donations of over fifty pairs of soccer shoes and athletic shoes throughout the season which Juba Star provided to youth and adult athletes in the community.
As part of their renewed commitment, Ben & Jerry’s will donate $5,000 to the Somali Bantu Community Association of Vermont to further expand Juba Star FC’s soccer programming. Vermont Green FC will continue to collect soccer shoe donations at all home matches in 2024.
Tickets to the match with Juba Star FC, as well as all single match tickets, are on sale now at tickets.vermontgreenfc.com.