Syrian boys and city police break barriers on pitch
There were smiles all around, helping hands when an injury took place and, of course, goals a plenty as the Calgary Police Service and the Syrian Soccer Sons went toe-to-toe on a chilly Labour Day Monday.
It was a game neither side could wait to play, and it was well worth the wait, as a 4-4 draw saw honours split.
Acting Staff Sgt. Graeme Smiley, one of the organizers of the game, said he had no problem getting a team together for the friendly at Forest Lawn High School.
“It’s terrific, I played in the first half.
“Lots of the boys, their English is limited but (they had) big smiles on their faces and (were) so enthusiastic,” he said.
“This is something they love to do, and soccer is such a global sport, it immediately breaks down barriers.” he added.
But for the Syrian players, aged 10 to 20 on the other side of the ball, it was more than just a game out on the last day before school starts.
It represents their new reality, and a stark difference from life just a year ago.
Ali Elgandour, one of the more senior players, who is originally from Lebanon, said the horror stories he has heard from his new Syrian friends are eye-opening.
“You’ll see a ball flying in the air, and a year ago?
“You never know, it could have been a bomb or a rocket,” he said.
The majority of the players have been in Canada between six months and a year, and it’s clearly something they see as an incredible opportunity.
“They see it as something huge, they’ve come to a country not only with opportunity, but with respect and kindness.
There is a place for them to grow as individuals,” Elgandour said.
After the game was done and dusted, it was time for a final meeting of the teams for one last photo.
As they linked arms in a show of solidarity, they hope it helps bring the two sides closer together for the future.
Lots of the boys, their English is limited but (they had) big smiles on their faces and (were) so enthusiastic.