PLAYERSvancouver dream catchers vancouver dream catchers
Hector | Position: Goalkeeper | Likes: Documentaries
Hector is new to Vancouver from Mexico and enjoys quiet walks. Being homeless was very lonely, and made Hector learn what it means to appreciate his friends and family, who he loves very much. Hector loves learning new things and is currently studying English. He loves nature and animals, and used to work as a dog trainer. Hector’s immediate goal is to get a job and go into business for himself. He wants to have a family one day with many children. I would recommend this soccer project to other people, because it is a way to keep busy and make new friends. This project will help people to beat their addictions by being a part of a team.”
Bart | Position: Midfield | Likes: Hunting/Fishing
Bart has been in Canada six months, and brings a friendly, outgoing energy to the team. His interests are carving, drawing, working out and reading. He enjoys reading autobiographies about successful people and learning from their mistakes and triumphs. Bart’s immediate goal is to get working and go into business for himself as an exportor/importer of fine collectibles. Bart has past experience with owning and operating a business and is striving hard towards becoming a successful businessman. He also wants to learn to speak German and Chinese.”My experience with homelessness has been a new awareness of what kinds of support is available in the community. Until I was in this situation, I had no idea of the support that one needs to complete their day when not having a place to call home. I have gained much support with helping service, shelters and other community organizations. The soccer team has helped me in dealing with stress - and I feel like part of a family. To play soccer with other people in the same situation as myself has impacted me, and to interact such diverse cultures on this team has given me a sense of community. As my life changes, I will continue to work with this team and be a positive role model for what this team can achieve.nomeless soccer vancouver homeless soccer vancouver homeless soccer vancouver homeless s
John | Position: Defense
I am a 36 yr old high school teacher who has been on leave for over 3 years, having experienced an abundance of frustration with our medical and legal system. I am now looking forward to getting back to soccer - and concepts such as inclusion and the like. I have a four year old daughter and would very much like to rebuild a relationship with her mother, in order to be involved as a parent before she enters kindergarten. As well, I would like to go back to work as a teacher - or return to university for a masters degree in Education (Administration). As a native of Richmond, I have spent over a decade volunteering in the district as coach for a variety of school athletics.ouver homeless soccer vancouver homeless soccer vancouver homeless soccer vancouver homeless
Leef | Position: Defense
My name is Leef and I suffer from depression. I experience massive onsets of depression without warning and without any measurable frequency. As such, these bouts have interrupted & destroyed large pockets of my life; pockets that most people see as inviolate and safe. I became homeless seemingly out the blue. I had an apartment, a car, a job, but then I became ill. When I was finally released from the hospital I was released literally right onto the streets. I don’t believe my situation is unique - everyone’s life is just a couple weeks away from catastrophic failure. It only takes a stumble, and anyone can find themselves without permanent shelter - and the inherent safety and comfort found in a home. I bounced from hospital to shelter to whatever was at hand. Ironically, I found my feet when after coming to the Downtown Eastside. I found a refuge of sorts in the living spaces there, and a support group among the people who worked there. I’ve spent the subsequent year getting better, becoming more grounded, getting more stable. In doing so, I’ve made a choice to get back to the things I love: my art, my writing & now SOCCER!!ncouver homeless soccer vancouver homeless soccer vancouver homeless soccer ancouver homeless
Ahmad “Sam” | Position: Midfield
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On my experience being homeless: It was a roller coaster with many ups, downs, and sideways - at times feeling like the bottom had given out. For the most part it was a great experience, because I feel like Mother Earth is our home and it really strengthened my connection with her. I never realized that I had so many resources - and that when one’s back is against the wall, it is amazing what the human spirit can do. I also found street family… a lot of people are in the same situation and once you can get over FEAR - the fear of interacting with others, it really gives you the push to work with others and try to help them. My immediate goals: To help other people who are homeless, and at-risk youth. To be a human rights watchdog and advocate!! Where I see myself in two or three years: As an outreach worker. How the homeless soccer team has impacted my life: My HEALTH. It’s great running around and sweating out the toxins. The eye-foot coordination really helps with balance, plus working as a team. Having fun and meeting new people. Would I recommend joining the Dream Catchers to others: Actually - that’s what I have been doing since joining. It really helps with self-esteem because you feel good after a game - like “Wow, what a great work out!” or “Boy, did I feel awesome scoring that goal!” or “Man, can those guys pass the ball right to my feet every time!” I like the fact that it’s not too competitive, because people are not worried about making mistakes. We can share a laugh when we miss the target or a teammate. There are no million dollar salaries, and no egos.
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soccer homeless aPeter | Position: Midfield | Likes: Computers
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Guillermo | Position: Goalkeeper | Likes: Plants & Agriculture
I am 45 years old, was born in Mexico and have been in Canada since Feb 1st 2008. I was homeless for a while when I first came to Canada, and have stayed in shelters and hostels. I have lived in conditions that are uninhabitable for anyone - but people have been kind and supportive to me to help me get to a better place. I have a dream for a better future: to become a citizen of Canada and a productive person in society. I would like to go to school for English and my goal is working towards a career as an agricultural engineer. The Homeless Street Soccer program has impacted my life in a positive and life changing way. I have a wellness plan and direction for making a better life for myself - no drugs and a clean lifestyle. I recommend this soccer project to everyone because each one of us can be a better person with the right support and care.
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Jose | Position: Striker | Likes: Reading
My name is Jose Angel Rosales. I was born May 23, 1967, in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. I am the only son of four children. I came to Canada on August 14, 1991, and have been living here since; in 2001, I became a Canadian citizen. In 2006, I decided to move to British Columbia to try my luck. When I arrived in Vancouver, I was homeless for a few months - this struggle taught me to be grateful for the things we have and have accomplished in life. During those difficult months, I learned that success requires both asking for help in addition to working hard. I am now both happy and proud to be part of the Vancouver homeless street soccer team. Given the chance, I will do my best to represent this city and my new country.
Robert | Position: Striker | Likes: Theatre
With an interest in dance and theatre, Robert is an outgoing personality and loves soccer. The Dream Catchers have changed his life - he has a feeling of belonging and is now excited to work towards future goals. Robert is a team player and active in community work, currently volunteering with the Dream Catchers homeless outreach programs.
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TEAM STAFF
Rhonda Alvarez-Licona | Founder / Director
Rhonda is a recent recipient of the BC Local Hero Working to End Homelessness Award. She was a Project Coordinator for Reclaiming Our Spirit for five years, developing and acquiring funding for community programs such as the Labour of Love project aimed at addressing homeless issues. The Helping Spirit Lodge Society develops strategies for intervention in and prevention of cases of domestic violence. As Director of the Dream Catchers, Rhonda has established connections with sports organizations (e.g. The Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Soccer Association, Street Soccer Canada), community (e.g. City of Vancouver Housing Centre, Oppenheimer Park Centre, Helping Spirit Lodge Society), and commercial (e.g. Darwin Construction, Farpost Soccer Company, Biro Creative) organizations. Tangible success of the program has been evidenced in players gaining homes, jobs, friends, and other supports with newfound confidence in their abilities.
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Vladimir Samozvanov | Head Coach
Head Coach Vladimir brings a solid professional foundation to the project, based on many years of soccer experience internationally and in Canada. His coaching qualifications include: Canadian Soccer Association National ‘B’ License, US Soccer Federation National ‘B’ License, UEFA ‘B’ License, and NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. Before
moving to Canada, Vladimir played soccer at a professional level in Ukraine, Russia and Georgia as well as at the collegiate level. In addition to coaching the Dream Catchers, Vladimir is head coach of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Women’s Soccer Team and also runs his own coaching business in Vancouver.
Steve Laleune | Team Manager / Assistant Coach
Steve Laleune has been with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services for 26 years. His extensive resume includes board membership on the Vancouver Firefighters Benefit Association and the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame. A former BC Provincial player, Steve has also coached Whitecaps summer camps, the North Shore Women’s Premier team, and several elite youth soccer teams in North American Championship tournaments. Outside of soccer, Steve has been a member of the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services for over 26 years and is on the Board of the Vancouver Firefighters Benefit Association and the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
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Alan Bates | Mental Health Consultant / Training Assistant
Alan is a Resident Physician in Psychiatry at UBC who completed his MD at UBC and has a PhD from the University of Nottingham. He received the Annette Hacking Award in Medicine for work raising awareness about mental illness. His research has been funded by several agencies including the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). His work has been published in numerous high-ranking peer-reviewed journals, and his previous volunteer work has included research for the BC Schizophrenia Society. In addition to making his academic experience available to the team, he has also been practicing with the Dream Catchers as a training assistant.
Joaquin Ernesto | Team Counsellor
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Joaquin is a professional counsellor with experience working with people from a number of underpriviledged populations in several cities. He has proven to be an invaluable resource for the team members and anyone else with counselling needs. As the producer and director of a co-op radio show called The World of Flamenco, he is well known in Vancouver’s Latin Arts community.