November 2008 - Dream Catcher’s Players Head to Australia for the World Cup
Vancouver men head to Homeless World Cup: Canadian soccer team to compete in Australia
Sandra Thomas | Vancouver Courier | Wednesday, November 26, 2008
“Guillermo Gonzalez says that, before fleeing Mexico as a political refugee, his dream was to move to Canada. That dream came true last February. His new dream, Gonzalez told the Courier Monday, is to become a world champion soccer player.” Read the article.
September 2008 - Street Soccer Canada Nationals: We are the Champions!
Our intrepid team played to a 3-3 draw with Toronto this morning before clinching the national title 2-0 in penalty kicks. The Dream Catchers had an overall tournament record of 6-2, impressed a ton of spectators, and showed class while doing it. We’ve set the tone for Vancouver to host next year’s national tournament - way to go guys!
August 26th, 2008 - Vancouver Dream Catchers give back through outreach
The Vancouver Dream Catchers homeless soccer club teamed up with Central Presbyterian Church to hold a day of homeless outreach at Oppenheimer Park yesterday afternoon. The team provided soup, food, hygiene kits and socks while holding their final scrimmage prior to Nationals. (photo Jeff Hodson/Metro Vancouver)
The team is off to compete in the Street Soccer Canada Nationals at the Calgary Soccer Centre from September 11-14!
June 27th, 2008 - Vancouver Dream Catchers fall to Whitecaps Alumni 4-2 at Empire Bowl
Click here to watch Game Coverage on CTV News
(Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Dream Catchers came up just short against a team comprised of Vancouver Whitecaps Alumni and local soccer legends, falling 4-2 in Friday’s exhibition fundraiser.
“Our team has improved so much, and we’re excited for the chance to play against these local soccer legends,“ said Rhonda Alvarez Licona, director of the co-ed squad. “Becoming a part of the community, in a caring community – that has been life-changing.” The Dream Catchers started last fall with a mandate to reach out to the homeless community with a message of social inclusion through sport.
“It is wonderful to see players’ lives being positively impacted through participation in soccer, the world’s game,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, president of the Whitecaps FC and member of the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame. “The Whitecaps are excited to be part of this community effort to solve homelessness.”
“We stick together on and off the field, and with soccer we’re learning that we can reach and surpass our goals,” said Dream Catchers defender Peter Davies, who was formerly homeless. “I get in shape, I get to travel – joining this team has provided so many opportunities.” At September’s nationals in Calgary, a number of players from the team will be selected to represent Canada at this year’s Homeless World Cup in Melbourne.
June 10th, 2008 - Vancouver Dream Catchers dance past NDP MLAs 7-4 in opening exhibition match
(Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Dream Catchers homeless soccer club took on a squad of provincial NDP MLAs during their first exhibition game at Oppenheimer Field today, winning handily by a score of 7-4.
“Our players are so excited to be a part of something like this,“ said Rhonda Alvarez Licona, director of the co-ed team. “It shows every day at practice – sport is a powerful way to address the root causes of homelessness.” Alvarez-Licona formed the Dream Catchers last fall, which reach out to the homeless community with a message of social inclusion.
“It’s evident they really communicate and work as a team,” said MLA for Vancouver-Kensington David Chudnovsky. “They’re pretty skilled too, so it’s a fun opportunity for us politicos to get our kicks in.” The friendly yet competitive match was played over two 30-minute halves with 6 players per side.
“Our focus and work ethic is great,” said coach Vladimir Samozvanov, a former semi-pro player in Europe. “We have a skilled team that is building more and more confidence every day.” The Dream Catchers face the Vancouver Whitecaps on June 27th as they tune up for September’s nationals in Calgary.
What is homeless soccer? Watch this video.
Kicking It - Narrated by Colin Farrell
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