A Holiday message from former Canadian National Team member and long time soccer player Kara Lang on her new involvement with Street Soccer Canada and their new work in women’s shelters in Toronto:
Street Soccer Canada is an organization that has impressed me for years. Throughout my playing career I’d always hoped that I could one day be involved with something that helps share the benefits of the beautiful game with those who need it most.
Once my soccer career came to an end, it became that much more apparent to me how my life was impacted by the game. Taking time to reflect on my career I realized that all of my best memories were ones I shared with my teammates and how fortunate I was to have gained a second family through soccer.
Now as a Technical Director with Street Soccer Canada and Coach of Toronto’s first All-Women’s team, I get to be a part of creating that same kind of fun, inclusive, supportive, and encouraging environment for women who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to experience it.
Every week I get to watch our amazing group of women not only become more comfortable with a ball at their feet, but also just share in the joy of soccer and of being a part of a team. It’s so clear that the hour and a half we spend together each week is sometimes the only chance they have to get away from the struggles they face in their day-to-day life. It’s a chance for them to just let go in a carefree environment where the only agenda is fun with some physical activity thrown in, too.
Some of the ladies are life-long lovers of the game and the passion for soccer was already there. Like Naz – a loving mother of two, who instantly glows as soon as she starts taking about her two boys. She’s an immigrant from Macedonia and soccer is in her blood. Then there are others like Joyce – the most energetic and enthusiastic member of our squad – but had never touched a ball before coming to our first practice. Now she shows up each week with a new move that she’s learned on her own and has become our number one recruiter for new players from other shelters! She’s emerged as a leader and really has a knack for motivating her teammates. Abigail is another one of the die-hards who had never played and now doesn’t miss a practice. Her shot is so hard that it only took one day for me to realize I wasn’t going to volunteer to go in net for shooting drills anymore.
It still surprises me to see how excited these ladies are to just play each week. The smiles don’t stop from the moment we pick them up at the shelter and then we’re laughing all the way home after each game. We’re building a community and a family and the support and camaraderie for one another grows stronger each week.
Having been dealt some difficult cards over the years, and somewhat accustomed to being let down (whether by society, their friends, their families or just life in general), understandably, many of the women seemed skeptical of us at first. It was clear that they were unsure whether or not they should trust us to show up week after week.
But we’re committed to providing a space for these women to play, and slowly they’re beginning to come around and see that. As they get more comfortable, they also open up more and start to share their stories with us and with each other. Perhaps even more valuable than what happens on the field, is this interaction, communication and support that’s created off the field.
Recently we got to enjoy a holiday brunch with our ladies before we take a break for the holidays. After weeks spent together in a gym in our running shoes and soccer uniforms, Joyce told me she was worried we wouldn’t recognize them all dressed up. When we picked them up at the shelter I understood why; they sure did get dressed up! It was so great to see how excited they were. When we got to the restaurant, the ladies insisted on sitting near the T.V to watch the soccer game that was on. We had lots of fun chatting about past games, disputing “lucky goals” and “questionable fouls”. It was a great way to close out the year with our team.
2011 has been good to Street Soccer’s Women’s team here in Toronto, and this is only the beginning! After our week away, we’ll be coming together again in the New Year and I’m really looking forward to seeing our team grow in 2012.
Kara Lang
We are also trying to get a portable port to use at our various shelter locations across the GTA. Help make this happen, donate at http://www.streetsoccercanada.org/donate/
If you haven’t already seen them watch our newest videos of the Team in France for the Homeless World Cup last August.
The Love: http://vimeo.com/31471798
The Dance Party: http://vimeo.com/31470869
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Kara, u are one smokin’ former pro soccer player. Holler at your younger sister for me if she looks anything like you.