Palestino Soccer Academy Offers Refuge for Young Athletes Amid Conflict

On a hot Saturday evening in Passaic County, New Jersey, the Palestino Soccer Academy gathered at Frank D Zaccaria Memorial Park for practice. Around 60 young athletes took to the field, finding solace in soccer amidst the soaring temperatures.

For these children, many of whom have roots in the Palestinian-American community of Northern New Jersey, soccer represents a source of hope and a necessary distraction. Taim Nadin, a 13-year-old originally from Qatar, expressed his passion, saying, “All I care about is God and soccer.” His words reflect the sentiments shared by his teammates.

The club, led by Coach Omar Abdulaziz, started three years ago to support children affected by the conflict in Gaza. Abdulaziz, who moved to Puerto Rico from the West Bank as a teenager, understands the challenges these young players face. He explained, “Soccer gives us a moment to disconnect and detach from the suffering of reality.”

Due to the ongoing conflict, soccer infrastructure in Gaza has suffered tremendous damage, with officials reporting that 90% has been destroyed. Additionally, 450 individuals involved in the sport have lost their lives in Israeli attacks. As the Palestinian national team didn’t qualify for the 2026 World Cup, local players look up to stars like Spain’s 18-year-old striker Lamine Yamal.

Yamal, born to immigrant parents in Spain, took a stand against anti-Muslim chants at Spanish games. During a celebratory parade after winning La Liga, he waved a Palestinian flag, a gesture that resonated with young players in New Jersey.

Obaida Al Amleh, who lived part of his childhood in the West Bank, shares his admiration for Yamal. After hearing about the loss of five close family friends in an Israeli airstrike, he found relief on the soccer field, emphasizing that playing soccer helps process his emotions.

“You can ball in the pitch, or you can bawl at home,” said Obaida. He remains determined to find comfort in the game, playing tirelessly with his teammates.

NPR’s Anas Baba contributed to this report from Gaza.