As a young boy growing up in Palestine, my friends and I spent our summer days playing outside. Our resources were limited but that only enhanced our imagination and creativity. We made up several games utilizing sticks or stones. Two empty cans of tuna and a string simulated a telephone. We imagined an old bicycle tire rolled down the street with the help of a stick to be an automobile. Homemade bamboo and newspaper kites were a fine art, and street soccer was the ultimate sport.

It is no surprise soccer is more common in less affluent societies. It is the poor man’s sport. We played soccer on side streets where two small rocks marked each goal. No gear or special shoes were necessary. When a car drove by, a rare occurrence in those days, we stepped aside until it drove off then the match resumed. These were the local rules. Neighborhood teams of 3 or 4 players were common and the losing team had to pay for Rukab’s popsicles. Each got half a popsicle because a whole was too expensive. What a time!

The ultimate dream was having access to a real soccer field even for half an hour.

Last Fall, with the support of a generous Palestinian businessman, UPA made this dream a reality for many children and youth.
Read more in the latest edition of UPA Connect!

-Saleem F. Zaru