Outcasts United

1. Luma Mufleh's Journey: From Jordan to Refugee Soccer Coach

"America was the land of opportunity," she said. "It was a very appealing dream of what you want your life to be like."

From privilege to purpose. Luma Mufleh, born into a wealthy Jordanian family, chose to pursue her education in the United States. Despite her family's expectations for her to return home, Luma made the difficult decision to stay in America, embracing independence and the opportunity to forge her own path.

Finding her calling. After struggling with various jobs and business ventures, Luma discovered her true passion when she stumbled upon a group of refugee boys playing soccer in a parking lot. This chance encounter led her to establish the Fugees, a soccer team for refugee children in Clarkston, Georgia.

Breaking barriers. As a female coach in a male-dominated sport, and working with children from diverse cultural backgrounds, Luma faced numerous challenges. However, her determination and compassion allowed her to connect with the players and their families, becoming a vital support system in their new lives.

2. The Fugees: A Team Born from Diversity and Adversity

"It's like they're all from my own country," he said. "They're my brothers."

A melting pot on the field. The Fugees team brought together boys from over a dozen war-torn countries, including Sudan, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Liberia. Despite their diverse backgrounds and initial language barriers, soccer became their common language and a means to form deep friendships.

Shared experiences unite. Many of the players had endured unimaginable hardships, including witnessing violence, losing family members, and living in refugee camps. These shared experiences of trauma and displacement created a strong bond among the team members, fostering a sense of understanding and support.

Learning to work together. Luma faced the challenge of uniting players who often had preconceived notions about each other based on their ethnic or religious backgrounds. Through her coaching and emphasis on teamwork, the boys learned to look past their differences and work together towards a common goal.

3. Challenges of Resettlement: Refugees Navigate a New World

"I thought America would be paradise," Generose said, through Bien.

Culture shock and adaptation. The refugee families faced numerous challenges upon arriving in Clarkston, including:

• Language barriers
• Unfamiliar customs and social norms
• Difficulty finding employment
• Inadequate housing
• Limited access to healthcare and education

Economic struggles. Many families, like Generose's, struggled to make ends meet despite working long hours in low-paying jobs. Parents often had to leave their children alone or in the care of older siblings while they worked, creating additional stress and safety concerns.

Balancing old and new. The refugee children, in particular, found themselves caught between two worlds – trying to adapt to American culture while maintaining their family's traditions and expectations. This struggle for identity was a recurring theme among the Fugees players.

4. Soccer as a Unifying Force: Breaking Down Cultural Barriers

"The Fugees—it's really important to me," he said. "When I play on that team, I'm with my brothers."

A common language. Soccer provided a universal language that transcended cultural and linguistic barriers. On the field, the boys could communicate and understand each other without words, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Building trust and teamwork. Through practices and games, the players learned to rely on each other and work together towards a common goal. This teamwork extended beyond the field, as the boys supported each other in school and their personal lives.

Cultural exchange. The team became a platform for the players to learn about each other's backgrounds and traditions. This exchange of cultures helped break down stereotypes and prejudices, promoting understanding and respect among the diverse group of players.

5. Discipline and Respect: Luma's Coaching Philosophy

"If you plan to continue with this team," Luma added, "it's my rules, my drills, my way."

High expectations. Luma set strict rules for her players, including:

• Punctuality
• Respect for teammates and opponents
• No cursing or fighting
• Mandatory attendance at tutoring sessions
• Maintaining good grades

Tough love approach. While Luma's coaching style could be harsh at times, it was rooted in her belief that discipline and structure were essential for her players' success both on and off the field. She held her team to high standards, knowing that many of them lacked stability in other areas of their lives.

Life skills beyond soccer. Luma's coaching philosophy extended beyond soccer techniques. She aimed to instill values such as responsibility, accountability, and perseverance in her players, preparing them for the challenges they would face in their new lives in America.

6. Overcoming Obstacles: The Fugees' Fight for Recognition

"Small Town … Big Heart"

Community resistance. The Fugees faced opposition from some long-time Clarkston residents who were uncomfortable with the changing demographics of their town. This resistance manifested in various ways, from bureaucratic obstacles to outright hostility.

Limited resources. The team struggled with inadequate facilities, often practicing on subpar fields or in parking lots. They lacked proper equipment and uniforms, relying on donations and makeshift solutions.

Proving their worth. Despite these challenges, the Fugees consistently performed well against more established teams. Their success on the field helped change perceptions and gain support from the wider community.

7. Personal Growth: Players Find Identity and Purpose Through Soccer

"It kept our minds from thinking about what happened," he said. "We made friends—kids from different cultures. It broadened our minds, and we weren't the only ones going through hard times. That's why the team is so close. It became our family."

Building confidence. For many players, success on the soccer field translated to increased self-esteem and confidence in other areas of their lives. They began to see themselves as capable individuals with potential for success in their new country.

Healing through sport. The structure and physical activity provided by soccer helped many players cope with the trauma they had experienced. The team became a safe space where they could process their experiences and emotions.

Leadership development. Players like Kanue and Natnael emerged as natural leaders, taking on responsibilities within the team and serving as role models for younger players. These leadership skills would prove valuable in their lives beyond soccer.

8. Community Impact: The Fugees Change Perceptions in Clarkston

"I'd have paid money to watch that game!" he said.

Changing hearts and minds. As the Fugees gained recognition for their skill and sportsmanship, they began to change perceptions of refugees in Clarkston. Their success challenged stereotypes and humanized the refugee experience for many in the community.

Bridging divides. The team's games became a gathering point for diverse members of the Clarkston community, bringing together people who might not otherwise interact. This helped foster understanding and build connections across cultural lines.

Inspiring others. The Fugees' story attracted media attention and inspired similar programs in other communities. Their success demonstrated the potential of sports to promote integration and empower refugee youth.

9. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The Fugees' Inspiring Journey

"If you don't know somebody—"

Overcoming personal tragedies. Many of the Fugees players, like the Dikori brothers, had experienced devastating losses and trauma. Yet, they found the strength to persevere and build new lives in America, with soccer providing a crucial support system.

Team unity in challenging times. When faced with setbacks, such as Luma's arrest or the loss of their practice field, the team rallied together. Their ability to support each other through difficulties demonstrated the strong bonds they had formed.

A testament to the human spirit. The Fugees' story is ultimately one of hope and resilience. Despite the enormous challenges they faced, these young refugees found joy, purpose, and community through soccer, proving that with determination and support, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

Last updated: January 23, 2025