IRCOM refugee boys beat them all

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/10/2015 (3860 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

You’re no doubt aware of the developing refugee epidemic in Europe. Fortunately, it’s not yet at crisis point here in Canada. Still, we’ve always taken a fair share of people fleeing oppressive regimes and made them welcome.

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) is one local organization providing assistance and hope for those who are far less fortunate than most Canadians.

They’ve been doing this for about 25 years now and provide a transitional housing complex for newcomers and programs designed to integrate refugees into Canadian society.

One of those programs is a soccer team for boys under 13 and they have been very successful.

Beating all challengers along the way, they made it to the Cambrian Challenge Cup final of the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association’s recreational league.

The game was played on Sept. 26 at the John Blumberg soccer complex, where they took on a team from St. John’s Ravenscourt.

They took along a couple of school buses filled with family and friends to cheer them on.

Two-thirds of the IRCOM house residents are under 18 years of age and have endured hardships and trauma we couldn’t imagine. They face challenges with both schooling and the English language.

They’re also prime targets for gang recruitment, so programs such as the soccer team provide positive role models and encouragement.  

Their coach, David Patton, is one of those role models. Having come here from Northern Ireland during “the Troubles,” he can understand living in an area that has seen its share of violence.

Today he volunteers his time to coach these boys and instill good values along the way.

This was the stuff of sporting legends. Both teams had to overcome gale force winds. Then you had a team of mostly African immigrants taking on a team from one of Winnipeg’s finest schools. Not only did the IRCOM kids win, the score was a resounding 4 – 1.

IRCOM goalkeeper Sangam Sanyasi faced two penalty shots. He saved the first but was denied a shutout by another one in the last minute.

The four goals were scored by Azuber Maunir, Augustin Mateso, Manael Weldegbrel and Khalid Alalcool.

These kids are winners, and not just in a big soccer game.

They’re hopefully embarking on a bright new future here in Winnipeg with the help of IRCOM and people like Dave Patton who volunteer their time freely.

Trevor Smith is a community correspondent for River Heights. You can contact him via email at smitht@mymts.net