Idaho Rush’s REACH program is impacting their local community with a unique camp called One World, giving children in Boise, Idaho, a chance to attend free soccer camps each summer.
Created 12 years ago by former Idaho Rush player Atticus Hoffman, son of film director Michael Hoffman, One World continues to bond a close community of children, players, and families.
Inspired by a trip to Europe in 2007, Hoffman witnessed the power soccer had with children of varying ethnicities and backgrounds and dreamt of a way to bring this camaraderie home. Hoffman saw a practical way to care for and support the Boise refugee population. Along with Idaho Rush, One World has successfully hosted a camp for over 100 Boise children from refugee homes, providing them with a jersey, shorts, cleats, shin guards, and a soccer ball.
Camps are held each summer and participants go on to compete at the youth, high school, and even college level. Idaho Rush has almost 80 children from the local refugee community involved in club programs.
Idaho Rush Competitive Administrator Gina Waddell detailed how Idaho Rush and One World are working to support those in the refugee community as well as those in other areas of Boise,
“Many in our community have rallied behind the REACH and the Idaho Rush One World program. The program has garnered continued support from Agency for New Americans and Boise Parks and Recreation from day one, and others since. Local Boise school librarian and Rush parent, Mary Karol Taylor, has been instrumental in fundraising via grants and individual donations in support of refugee youth teams and individual players that participate in our developmental and recreational programs.”
Waddell continued,
“Other teachers and staff from the school district have come on board to offer their support and assistance and the teachers love that the children are involved. Each of the players sign a contract agreeing to maintain good grades and have good behavior everywhere they go—school, on the bus to/from school, etc. It has helped these kids become better students and good members of their community. Community members are stepping up to help transport players to practices and games. These positive interactions between community members and the refugees is building healthy relationships and acceptance. This is beneficial to our community.”
Idaho Rush REACH hosts events at local thrift stores to collect donations or an event called “Stuff the Trailer,” allowing families in the area to bring their gear to stuff a trailer at the soccer fields. If you are interested in donating or finding out more about Rush’s REACH program, visit here.
