On a scorching evening in Passaic County, New Jersey, about 60 young athletes gathered on a soccer field near the FIFA NY/NJ Stadium. For these kids, soccer serves as both a passion and an emotional release.
“Without soccer, life has no meaning,” expressed Taim Nadin during a momentary water break. “If I didn’t play soccer, I’d be nothing.” At 13 years old, Taim, originally from Qatar, is part of the Palestino Soccer Academy. This club integrates children from diverse backgrounds but has a strong foundation in the Palestinian-American community in New Jersey.
Coach Omar Abdulaziz plays a crucial role at the academy. He started the club three years ago to offer soccer lessons and address the emotional impact of ongoing conflicts like the one in Gaza. “For us, soccer provides a way to escape reality, a moment of peace,” he explained. Abdulaziz, who moved from the West Bank to Puerto Rico in the 1980s, understands the challenges these kids face.
The challenges are many. The Palestinian national soccer team will not compete in the 2026 World Cup due to significant destruction in Gaza. Officials reported that 90% of the sports infrastructure in Gaza has been obliterated, and 450 individuals involved in soccer have died in Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, young players in New Jersey look up to global stars like Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old Spanish striker is a symbol of hope for them, especially after his recent actions supporting Palestine.
Yamal’s influence goes beyond his soccer skills. The son of immigrants in Spain, he took a firm stance against anti-Muslim behavior at games. His act of waving a Palestinian flag during FC Barcelona’s championship parade gained widespread attention. “It was special for those facing the hardest times,” said 14-year-old Obaida Al Amleh, who has firsthand ties to the West Bank. Obaida recalled dealing with the loss of friends in an airstrike by heading straight to the soccer field. “You can ball on the pitch, or bawl at home,” he remarked. For him, playing soccer serves as a therapeutic outlet.
The Palestino Soccer Academy is more than just a club. It is a community for young players looking to navigate their complex realities through the sport they love.
NPR’s Anas Baba provided additional reporting from Gaza.
Leave a Reply