Leadership, Teamwork, Respect and Fair Play on the Soccer Field

The soccer pitch at Oakdale Park Middle School in North York was filled with smiles as soccer stars from the Miracle Junior Soccer Club and Vaughan Community Church participated in The Salvation Army Yorkwoods Community Church’s Jane and Finch Junior Soccer Tournament.

Four teams of under 10 and under 13 age groups enjoyed the beautiful game while their parents and relatives cheered them on from the sidelines.

The Jane and Finch area of Toronto is widely known as an underprivileged area where children and youth have limited opportunities compared to their peers in other areas of the city.

“Our soccer tournament brings children and youth together and provides them with hope while they learn leadership skills, teamwork, respect and fair play,” said Captain Dae-Gun Kim, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army Yorkwoods Community Church. “We are so grateful for the support of parents, relatives and mission partners who help make this tournament a success.”

Alphanso Morgan, whose two sons and two nephews suited up in their soccer kits and took to the pitch, said it’s wonderful how much The Salvation Army gives back to the Jane and Finch area.

“This program is great for the kids. They’re having so much fun and enjoyment,” said Alphanso. “The Salvation Army does great work here in the community and this program really brings the community together for the better.”

The Salvation Army Divisional Leaders for Ontario, Lt-Colonels Shawn and Brenda Critch attended the soccer tournament providing words of encouragement to the players and were thankful for the all the support.

“The Salvation Army is present across Ontario and we’re an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus,” said Lt-Colonel Shawn Critch. “The wonderful turnout for the tournament is a blessing and testament to the dedication The Salvation Army has in uniting community and the strong support for our programs.”

MPP Tom Rakocevic and City of Toronto Councillor Anthony Perruzza expressed their gratitude for The Salvation Army’s presence in their riding of Humber River-Black Creek while watching the players showcase their foot work like Canadian soccer stars Alphonso Davies and Christine Sinclair.

“We all know The Salvation Army is everywhere there is need and they help struggling individuals and families with a hand up,” said Rakocevic. “I’m very proud to have The Salvation Army in the community and serving the community.”

“Congratulations to The Salvation Army for bringing together kids from our neighbourhoods to have a beautiful day of soccer and fun together,” said Perruzza.

Mission Partners were also in attendance and the Rotary Club of North York presented a $9,000 donation to The Salvation Army Yorkwoods Community Church to help with future funding of the tournament.

“We are very passionate about helping children and youth programs succeed and we’re very fortunate to have The Salvation Army here delivering life-changing programs,” said Gerry Francis, president of the Rotary Club of North York.

Rev. Peter Han, board chair of WeTogether, a not-for-profit with a vision for a community where anyone can imagine and achieve their dreams by transforming a person’s life, restoring families and rebuilding community, said the innovative partnership with The Salvation Army represents far reaching positive outcomes that are deeply felt across the community.

“Collectively, with a positive vision of shaping a better future for children, youth and families in Jane and Finch, both WeTogether and The Salvation Army are uplifting members of the community who will be the next generation of leaders who will then carry this momentum moving forward,” said Rev. Han.

Pastor Lee Byung of the Vaughan Community Church, which had two teams participate in The Salvation Army Yorkwoods Community Church’s Jane and Finch Junior Soccer Tournament, said the positive takeaways children and youth learn from playing sports transcends beyond the pitch.

“They learn so many life skills such as perseverance, teamwork and adaptability that will help them as they mature and navigate through life’s obstacles,” said Pastor Byung.

Twelve-year-old striker Junior Jacob knows first-hand the positive impacts these soccer tournaments have especially when one needs to escape from an area where gang violence is prevalent and a lot of outsiders’ view Jane and Finch through a negative lens.

“I love these tournaments. Everyone is so nice, and we have a great time out on the field. I really enjoy the drills, practice and how the coaches get us ready for games,” said Junior. “It feels like academy soccer and I have a lot of fun.”