Recap: 2nd Annual One Love Youth Soccer Tournament
On Saturday, August 17, DNDA hosted the 2nd annual One Love Youth Soccer Tournament, a co-ed youth soccer competition featuring DNDA’s Summer Youth Program neighborhood teams at High Point, NewHolly, and Rainier Vista, as well as the Somali Health Board Youth Soccer Team.
DNDA organized the tournament in partnership with Intercity Soccer League, a community-oriented organization dedicated to providing underserved King County youth the mentorship and resources necessary to develop as skillful soccer players and promising young adults.
Hosted at the Van Asselt Community Center, team coaches and program coordinators organized 24 small-sided, round-robin style matches between the four teams at varying age groups. Healthy food, snacks, and refreshments were available to youth, coaches, families, volunteers, and community members.
With over 100 players and 60 families in attendance, the day was filled with exciting matches, memorable comebacks, constant cheering, and valiant displays of team-based and individual effort.
Above all, the tournament served as a testament to the power of community and years of genuine, grassroots relationship-building. Just like last year’s tournament, the event felt much more like a community gathering than a sports event. After 5 hours of play, Somali Health Board Youth Soccer Team accumulated the highest number of game points and thus were awarded the championship trophy, defending their position as last year’s tournament winner and establishing themselves as the team to beat in next year’s tournament.
A defining feature of the One Love Youth Soccer Tournament is the immense amount of community involvement and support. Seattle Housing Authority, King County Parks, Verity Credit Union, and Boon Boona Coffee sponsored this year’s tournament.
DNDA’s Summer Youth Program (SYP) is a neighborhood-based partnership with Seattle Housing Authority. SYP provided over 400 SHA residents in High Point, NewHolly, and Rainier Vista youth access to soccer, as well as over 12 other art, recreationaland nature-based programs. The partnership opened the opportunity for neighborhood youth to not only participate in the tournament, but also attend regular soccer practices throughout the months of July and August.
Earlier this year, King County Parks awarded DNDA a Youth & Amateur Sports 2019 Grant to enhance access for High Point, NewHolly, and Rainier Vista youth to practice soccer and enjoy community-building events. As a result, soccer practices will be available for summer program participants during the fall and spring seasons.
Verity Credit Union’s generous support provided DNDA additional funds in order to provide all 90 High Point, NewHolly, and Rainier players new, re-designed team uniforms. In-kind donations from Boon Boona Coffee supported families and volunteers, providing an atmosphere of hospitality well received by all in attendance.
Our partner, Intercity Soccer League, was instrumental at every stage of programming. From coaching to tournament preparation, from outreach to implementation, Intercity Soccer League went above and beyond, displaying firsthand their professionalism and commitment to grassroots community partnerships.
Most importantly, youth and families stand head and shoulders above the rest and are at the helm all of summer programming. Their energy and support are irreplaceable, and we are thankful for the meaning and significance they provide to our efforts.
We are proud to say that the 2nd annual One Love Youth Soccer Tournament was a success. We would like to thank every community partner, coach, parent, coordinator, and volunteer involved for their participation in DNDA programming.
This summer’s soccer program represents years of continual support, beginning with the first soccer tournament in 2017, and rebranding the name to “One Love” and continuing the soccer tournament. The 1st One Love Youth Soccer Tournament was in December 2018 and the 2nd was August 2019.
As always, we look forward to continuing these community partnerships and services in the years to come!
-Intale Shuba
