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“You’re My GOAT”: Pro Soccer Stars Surprise Refugee Youth Camp
Soccer Superstars Visit Refugee Youth Camp: Dreams Take Flight at Franklin Park
A Special Day at Soccer Camp
Imagine showing up to soccer camp and finding out that professional players from your city’s team are there to play with you! That’s exactly what happened to nearly 200 kids at Franklin Park this summer.
The camp is a partnership between two awesome organizations:
- Thrive International – Helps refugee families settle into new lives
- 90+ Project – Uses soccer to teach life skills and leadership
Important Point: This camp is completely free and welcomes kids from kindergarten through 12th grade who come from refugee and immigrant families.
Where Everyone Comes From
When Camp Director Aaron Lewis asked, "How many of you weren’t born in the United States?" – dozens of hands shot up!
Then something amazing happened. Four out of five visiting Spokane Velocity pro players raised their hands too.
| Group | Born Outside the US |
|---|---|
| Camp Kids | Dozens! |
| Pro Players | 4 out of 5 |
This created an instant connection. The pros weren’t just famous athletes – they were kids who moved to a new country too, just like the campers.
Meet the Stars
Moses Mensah – Left Back from Ghana
Nine-year-old Mel Akon ran up to Moses and said:
"You’re my GOAT! One day I’m gonna look like you and be like you."
Moses smiled and replied: "I want to see that."
Moses’s advice to the kids: "Listen to your coaches a lot because they have more experience than you guys."
Joe Gallardo – Forward
Joe had a juggling contest with two teens (Teodoro, 15 and Jomar, 16). Jomar tied Joe at 35 touches!
Joe’s advice: "If you really want to get there, if you push yourself, just work hard everyday… I think it’s achievable."
More Than Just Kicking a Ball
The camp focuses on four big things – and soccer is just the vehicle:
- Character – Being a good person
- Leadership – Helping others
- Mental Wellness – Feeling good inside
- Access to the Game – Making sure everyone can play
Important Point: As 90+ Project Director Russ Davis says: "We teach character, leadership, mental wellness… using soccer really as a vehicle for transformation."
The "One Billion Percent" Trust Story
Mel didn’t believe the pros would actually show up. He told Coach Davis:
"If the Velocities show up tomorrow, I will now trust you one billion percent."
When the players really did show up, Mel beamed with his new signed poster. Coach Davis laughed: "I was ready to cash in for ‘one billion percent’ trust!"
Why This Camp Matters
Thrive International Director Mark Finney explains:
"Our vision is we want to see people not just survive when they come to a new country, we want to help them thrive."
This is the 5th year of the camp, and it keeps growing!
What the Kids Said
Emmanuel, age 11: "The week has been amazing. I’ve been playing a lot and hanging out and having fun." (He got every single player to sign his ball!)
Summary
- ~200 kids from 12+ countries played soccer together for free
- 5 pro players visited – 4 were immigrants themselves
- Kids learned life skills through soccer: respect, responsibility, hard work
- Pros gave real advice and signed tons of autographs
- The camp’s mission: Help newcomers thrive, not just survive
FAQ – Questions You Might Have
Who can attend this camp?
A: Kids from kindergarten through 12th grade who are from refugee or immigrant families. The camp is completely free!
What is the 90+ Project?
A: It’s an organization that uses soccer as a tool to teach character, leadership, and mental wellness – not just soccer skills.
What is Thrive International?
A: They’re a refugee resettlement organization that helps families settle into new lives in Spokane and Tacoma. Some campers previously lived in their shelters.
Who are the Spokane Velocity?
A: They’re Spokane’s professional soccer team! Several players grew up in other countries (like Ghana) before becoming pros in the US.
How can I support this camp?
A: You can donate to Thrive International or 90+ Project, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word about their amazing work!
Want to see more stories like this? Follow Thrive International and 90+ Project to watch how soccer is changing lives in Spokane!
