In the News

Kicking homelessness to the curb with soccer

Jeff Hodson, Metro Vancouver, August 27, 2008

VANCOUVER — A group of soccer players hit the pitch at Oppenheimer Park yesterday, taking part in a final scrimmage before heading to the national “homeless” soccer tournament…

Homeless soccer players prep for world championships in Calgary

Sean Patrick Sullivan, Canadian Press, June 28, 2008

VANCOUVER — Jay juggles a soccer ball with his feet one sunny June afternoon, practising moves he hopes will net him a spot on Canada’s World Cup team. But it’s not the FIFA World Cup that Jay is preparing for…

Impressive soccer display

MATT KIELTYKA, 24 HOURS, June 11, 2008

VANCOUVER — The sweat barely had a chance to roll off his brow before Rob Milton found himself swarmed by jubilant supporters. Still exhausted from the match, the joy of the moment wasn’t lost on the recovering drug addict…

For those on the street, a team to call home

Jeremy Nuttall, Special to The Globe and Mail Thursday, April 24, 2008

VANCOUVER — A line of people, waiting for free lunch, sporting worn-out clothes and unkempt hair, stretches onto the field at Oppenheimer Park.

Smoke from the grilling hot dogs floats to where 51-year-old Elaine Durocher and her soccer teammates practise. There are smiles and laughter as the players on the Dream Catchers stretch, chase balls and take pot-shots at a fearless goaltender…

Co-ed homeless soccer club practising for championship

Ian Austin, The Province Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Michael Cabrera credits the Vancouver Dream Catchers soccer club with keeping him out of trouble. The 27-year-old Vancouver man was one of about a dozen soccer keeners who turned up yesterday at Oppenheimer Park in the Downtown Eastside for the first open practice of the team for the homeless…

Vancouver homeless find solace in footie

Sandra Thomas, Vancouver Courier Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Today Oppenheimer Park, tomorrow the world.

That’s the goal new soccer fan and player Garvin Snider has in sight. Snider will play for Vancouver at a national street-soccer tournament in Calgary this August. The winner will represent Canada at this year’s international Homeless World Cup of Soccer event, which takes place in Melbourne, Australia,…

Soccer league hits the streets

Rafe Arnott, Metro Vancouver February 07, 2008

Rhonda Alvarez Licona, program co-ordinator for a Vancouver street soccer team, said being part of a team gives players self-esteem and a goal to work toward.

It might be a few months yet before games of catch and Frisbee are played on Vancouver’s frost-covered parks, but the cold weather isn’t keeping a new league of recreational athletes indoors — homeless soccer players…

Images

Video

Vancouver Dream Catchers vs. NDP United FC (June 10, 2008)

A message from Paul Gregory, Manager of Team Canada

Still exhausted from the match, the joy of the moment wasn’t lost on the recovering drug addict…

Media Release

For immediate release

April 22, 2008

Kicking it for a new dream: Homeless soccer team aims for impressive goals

(Vancouver, B.C.) – The Vancouver Dream Catchers launched a campaign of hope with their homeless soccer team’s first open practice today at Oppenheimer Field, sponsored by the Helping Spirit Lodge Society.

“Our club is committed to social inclusion, which is one of the most powerful ways to address homelessness,” said Rhonda Alvarez Licona, program coordinator at Helping Spirit Lodge Society. “By facing these challenges head-on, the Dream Catchers are building relationships and pride in our community.”

“Not every homeless person is a lost cause,” said Elaine, the team’s only female player and a single mother. “I have dreams, I have goals, and with soccer I have a sense of belonging.” According to Street Soccer Canada, 73% of players significantly improve their lives: moving into homes, finding jobs, repairing relationships, even becoming soccer players and coaches.

For more information about the co-ed team and their upcoming schedule, please visit www.vancouverdreamcatchers.org.

About Street Soccer Canada

Street Soccer Canada is a nation-wide grassroots organization committed to using sport to empower and embrace the homeless. Every year, players are selected to represent Canada in international competition at the annual Homeless World Cup. The 2008 Homeless World Cup, held in Melbourne, Australia, will include 60 countries. Nike, UEFA and world-class soccer teams such as Manchester United (UK) and the Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) are among its supporters.

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Contact:
Rhonda Alvarez Licona
604.874.6649
spiritros@telus.net