2023 Somali American Soccer Week

Minnesota is home to the largest number of Somalis in the diaspora and as a result the Somali Culture is conspicuously seen through out the year and more so during the Somali independence week spanning from June 26 to July 1 every year.
Every year as a build up to this Independence week, Somali Community leaders host Somali American Soccer Week that brings together Somali Soccer teams from different states of the US, and UK. The goal is to strengthen Somalinimo and Somali brotherhood across the globe.
What made this year unique was the fact that the Somali American Soccer Week was hosted in two fields in St Paul and the tournament has attracted thousands of Soccer fans to come and watch the games every day. Such gatherings foster love, sportsmanship, competitive edge and a sense of belonging for many of the youth who were born in the US. In Some respect, The Somali American Soccer Week has facilitated intergenerational conversation as three generation of Somalis met during the tournament to exchange ideas and information.
Representative Samakab of St Paul has invested both time and other resources in supporting the organizing Committee to make this tournament a success.
Center for African Immigrants and Refugee Organization (CAIRO) based out of St Cloud Minnesota was the premier Sponsor of this year’s Somali American Soccer Week.
The final match was between Gargaar FC from St Cloud and KB from Minneapolis was hosted on July 3 at James Griffin Stadium The stadium was packed by Soccer fans and the teams were all very excited. City of St Paul dedicated enough security to the match and the final game ended with Gargaar FC retaining their championship since they also won the Cup last year

About Author

Abdi Ibrahim

See author's posts