
No matter your age or country of origin, soccer is the one game that unites people across the world.
For refugees striving to integrate themselves into a new country, “the beautiful game” offers a way in which they can build lasting bonds with members of their host communities.

In Washington, D.C., One Journey’s annual Soccer Fest exemplifies this spirit of connection.
"Soccer unites people across cultures and circumstance,” said Alex Bearman, Executive Director at District Sports. Washington, D.C.-based District Sports has taken the lead organizational role for the Soccer Fest over the past several years and is a non-for-profit organization connecting D.C. residents through soccer.
This year’s Soccer Fest was held in early June at Cardozo High School in Washington, D.C. The adult soccer tournament finished with a soccer fan’s dream scenario – a penalty shootout, with a team of refugees emerging as the victors.

“The One Journey Soccer Fest was the perfect opportunity to bring together refugees and host-community members over their shared love of the sport. In the coming months District Sports will be reaching out to refugee services organizations to involve more recent arrivals in our community soccer programs,” Bearman noted.

Another partner at this year’s Fest was Soccer Without Borders. "One Journey’s Soccer Fest is breaking barriers by uniting refugees and host communities through the beautiful sport of soccer. It was an honor to be part of a community that uses my favorite sport to create a fun and safe space for everyone,” said Xavier Woodyard, Program Coordinator at the non-profit, which serves refugee youth from over 82 countries of origin.
Woodyard took the lead at this year’s Soccer Fest in organizing a series of fun activities for refugee and D.C.-area kids who participated in the event’s youth clinic.
One Journey is thankful for the support our volunteers and partners provided to make this year’s Fest a hit. It was a beautiful day for a beautiful game. We look forward to hosting more welcoming events like the Soccer Fest that bring together resettled refugees and their host communities.
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One Journey’s grassroots movement began in September 2017. With hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, and partners, the team of community organizers has hosted close to 100 refugee awareness-raising and celebratory events. We amplify the voices of refugees and strive to build a coalition of enduring community allies using culture, storytelling, sports, and technology to engage people and facilitate connections.
The One Journey Festival in Washington, DC is our organization’s signature event. Drawing thousands of people over the past several years, this inspiring festival celebrates the talents and accomplishments of refugees and other displaced people.
Along with the Soccer Fest, other events have included film screenings, panel discussions, employment workshops, and a growing national presence with events at multiple cities along the East Coast and San Francisco.