Burlington, Vt., May 19, 2022 – Today Vermont Green Football Club announces its partnership with Juba Star Football Club to expand access to soccer and work towards equitable play in Vermont. The Vermont Green Football Club is working with the Juba Star to raise money to fund their participation in the Louisville International Outdoor Cup, a Somali-led tournament hosting top talent from around the country.
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 is also more than just a soccer club. The volunteer staff provides career and academic mentorship and social support for youth. The mission of the organization is to create an environment where players can develop to their fullest potential, building the skills needed to grow and self-actualize as citizens. Their work has translated into success on and off the pitch, whether that’s winning a local men’s league soccer championship or seeing mentees go on to pursue a college education and careers in public service, including two players who have become police officers.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Vermont Green FC, a group with the same amount of passion and goals for the sport and the State of Vermont. It has been incredible watching them grow at such a rapid pace in a small amount of time. Vermont Green FC has managed to get the attention and attract people from all over the Vermont community. On top of all that Vermont Green FC noticed and acknowledged all of the work Juba Star has been doing in the community and decided to be a part of it. Our goal is and always has been to provide a space for youth to thrive regardless of their ethnicity or socioeconomic status. The combined efforts of Vermont Green FC and Juba Star brings us that much closer to those goals. We are ecstatic and can’t wait to see what the future holds for our partnership,” said Noor Bulle, Juba Star Football Club Assistant Manager.
As a brand new minor league soccer club, Vermont Green Football Club believes partnering with Juba Star FC is essential to build roots in the state and make progress on the Club’s environmental justice mission and anti-racism commitments.
“I’ve had the pleasure of competing against and alongside many of the players from the Juba Star club over the years. What they’ve built in Vermont, with limited resources, is remarkable. They are making the state a more inclusive, safe, and comfortable home for historically underrepresented Vermonters. Their story is as much an inspiration for our club as it is a lesson in how to build a truly inclusive organization. Soccer is a unique venue in that it’s a space where anyone can thrive, no matter their socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or nationality. We are tapping into that dynamic with this partnership and are grateful we get to work with Juba Star as we learn and grow together, working to expand access to soccer and equitable play in Vermont,” said Keil Corey, Vermont Green Football Club Co-founder.
To donate to the fundraiser, please visit https://vtgrn.com/jubastarfc. In addition to the online fundraiser, Vermont Green FC is hosting an exhibition match against Juba Star FC on June 12 at 7pm at UVM’s Virtue Field. Tickets will be available for purchase and part of the proceeds will go to the Juba Stars organization.
Juba Star Football Club operates exclusively for recreational and educational purposes without bias regarding race, color, sexual preference, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. Juba Star empowers and enhances the lives of the players by promoting social and emotional self-reliance in youth and facilitates training to ensure the development of essential life skills. Juba Star Soccer team is proud to offer a soccer program to youth and adults, providing a structured and challenging learning environment where the development of citizenship, friendship, teamwork, and lifetime mental wellness and physical fitness are encouraged and supported for youth soccer players.