A new free soccer program called Amigos Unidos FC (United Friends) has been launched for migrant children living in city-run shelters in Chicago. Initiated by Hannah McGee, a pre-med student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and her friend Sofia Castro, the program aims to provide a recreational outlet for young asylum seekers, running twice a week from June through early August.
The idea for Amigos Unidos FC emerged from the founders’ concern over the migrant crisis in Chicago and the lack of dedicated resources for children. McGee and Castro raised $1,000 through GoFundMe campaigns among family and friends to fund the program. Additionally, local soccer organizations, including the Chicago Edge Soccer Club and the Chicago Red Stars, donated cleats, jerseys, shin guards, and socks to support the initiative.
The program is held at Skinner Park on Chicago’s West Side and includes warm-ups, team-building exercises, and soccer games. It primarily serves migrant children from Colombia and Venezuela, offering them a chance to play and socialize in a structured environment.
The impact on the participants has been notable. Eight-year-old Mathias Bastó, a resident of a nearby shelter, has shown enthusiasm and engagement with the program. Ten-year-old Yilber Benavides from Venezuela has expressed his enjoyment in playing soccer with his new friends.
Amigos Unidos FC addresses several challenges faced by migrant children in shelters, including limited access to structured activities and barriers like transportation and cost that can prevent participation in city park district programs or private summer camps. By providing a free and accessible program, it helps bridge these gaps and offers a valuable recreational opportunity.
Parents have also responded positively. Irene Santos, Mathias’s mother, sees the program as a valuable chance for her son to develop and enjoy an activity he loves. Many parents appreciate the sense of normalcy and stability the program brings to their children, allowing them to momentarily escape the difficulties of their new circumstances.
Overall, Amigos Unidos FC highlights the importance of recreational activities in supporting the well-being of migrant children. By creating a space for play and social interaction, the program helps ease the transition for young migrants and enriches their lives during a challenging time.