This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Lakewood Soccer United Rolling Along

New resident volunteers for Lakewood Soccer United.

I don't play soccer.

The last time I played soccer was in high school gym and I'm pretty sure my best move was staying out of the way while encouraging others to bite the opposing team in the ankles, whatever that meant.

So how I'm volunteering for Lakewood Soccer United every Sunday at from 12 to 2 would be puzzling to all who know me, until they realize that my boyfriend works for a local organization that resettles refugees in the Northeast Ohio region.

Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It's only been a few weeks, but I'm already amazed not only at the talent many of these kids have for soccer, but the pure joy they get out of playing. From the age of three to eighteen, kids from Africa, Bhutan, and Burma come out to show their skills.

For one three year old this involves throwing a soccer ball about the size of his own head into the air, only to watch it drop, and kick it at full force to whoever is paying attention (and sometimes to someone not paying attention).

Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In a word it's adorable.

Many of the younger children just love having a ball to kick around, while the older kids are a bit more competitive. Even the girls don't mind going in for a slide tackle or charging their opponent. So far, and beyond all explanation, there have been no injuries.

But Lakewood Soccer United, headed up by Bill Gregg and Ken Lipka, through the help of Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services and Asia Services, is not just about casual games. The hope is to continue playing through the winter (moving it indoors of course, though these kids aren't bothered a bit by the pouring rain, so they'd probably play in the snow if they were required to) and prepare the best players for integration into other city and school teams.

There's been talk of actually starting a solely refugee team, but the program is fairly new, and while the ultimate end might not be known, a lot of good work will be done.

These refugee kids and their families were forced from their homes and many have faced the terrible conditions of living in refugee camps. Around 400 refugees are resettled in Cuyahoga County alone each year, many of which live in Lakewood. Many come over with nothing, as they had nothing in the camps.

It's no wonder many of these kids can happily play soccer in bare feet or sandals (whereas if I attempted that I would probably kick the ball and cry out in pain over my foot). However, Lakewood Soccer United has already received some generous donations of gently used cleats and soccer balls to distribute amongst the participants.

For one girl this meant being able to ditch her sandals for new cleats, which even had her favorite color, pink, mixed in on the side. Laces tied through the help of her father, she was up and ready to test them out. She had a strong shot for someone under the age of ten.

Okay, let's face it, she's already better than me.

So for two hours every week I get to see kids who have been through so much in so little time, with so little possessions, have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and simply smile.

How lucky am I?

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?