Old, new soccer balls, jerseys needed for Ugandan youth

By: William White Staff Writer | Opelika Auburn News
Published: August 21, 2008

For the price of a soccer ball or jersey, residents of east Alabama have an opportunity to help 50,000 students in the African nation of Uganda.

The Uganda Soccer Project is a way area residents can assist Father Michael Senfuma’s efforts to have soccer balls, practice jerseys and related equipment donated this weekend at the Thunder Road Classic venues - Auburn Soccer Complex, Shug Jordan Fields and Piper Fields - in Auburn.

Dave Heideman of Auburn said Father Michael is trying to get some equipment just to get it up and running. A group of families are trying to get up deflated soccer balls and jerseys donated at this weekend’s tournament, the Auburn Thunder Road Classic, Aug. 23 to 25 in Auburn during the day.

“Our evangelical strategy is to create small communities where young people feel a sense of belonging. The ideal place is the parish,” writes Father Michael Senfuma, whose story is linked to the Web site, www.nearpostsoccer.com/ThunderRoadClassic.

“We conceived the idea of soccer teams to engage the interests and loyalty of young people,” he said. “They compete against each other. In the course of play, they learn values and restore hope.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have the facilities to run a soccer league. We need soccer balls, uniforms and shoes to make these teams decent and attractive.”