Soccer is a sport played across the globe, often referred to as the “beautiful game.” Many grew up dreaming of competing on the world stage—but for those struggling with potential homelessness, the opportunity to play the sport has escaped them. They’re now getting that chance again through a new league called the Canadian Street Soccer Association. Among the players is Erick Milgar, who grew up wanting to play soccer professionally. “Sunday at 6 p.m. is the beautiful moment for me,” said Milgar. “It’s a beautiful place, very good people, and we just play soccer.” Milgar, who is from Mexico, immigrated to Canada with his small family years ago. The move came with a number of challenges, as he didn’t know the language at the time and had no friends in the community. He found himself working two jobs to cover the family expenses, and playing organized soccer had to be put on hold—that is, until last year. Milgar is one of 15 to 20 players that comes out to Saanich’s Braefoot Park every Sunday making up the newest Canadian Street Soccer Association team. “This is using sport as a tool for positivity, for connection and to build confidence,” said Brandon Green, one of the association’s program managers. It’s a league with only two teams in B.C., in Saanich and Port Hardy. There are others in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec. The players include refugees, people who are currently living on the street or those struggling with mental health or addiction issues. “You found yourself in this situation where you’re close to or are experiencing homelessness and that can vary from person to person,” said Green. The goal is to provide those individuals the opportunity to make connections through the sport of soccer. “Education, connection with employment opportunities, as well as connections with housing opportunities,” said Green. “We can refer them to organizations that we partner with.” In May, the two teams from B.C. will join forces travelling to Quebec to play in a national tournament. “From that tournament we’ll put together another team that will participate in an international tournament called the Homeless World Cup,” said Green. This year that tournament is being played in Mexico City. “I’m so excited about the tournament, about the guys and about getting to know people,” said Milgar. The team has given Milgar the chance to once again chase his childhood passion while making connections in the community that he and his family now call home.
