Local Somali Soccer group says ‘Discriminatory’ rules left Players sidelined

A frustrating struggle between a local Somali soccer group and the eastern Ontario soccer association has left dozens of young soccer players on the sidelines because of miscommunication and alleged discrimination, those involved say…

The group called Surad — named after the tall Somali mountain peak featured on their jerseys — was launched a decade ago out of the gymnasium at Ridgemont High School, it works to plug newcomer families into the mainstream soccer world, give players the ability to develop competitively, and act as a support network, according to co-founder and parent Said Arwo.

Most Surad players are Black and Muslim with families from Somalia. Other members’ parents come from Iraq, Syria, Yemen and other immigrant communities, according to Arwo, “We’re bringing players whose parents are not going to fork out $2,000 or $3,000 so their child can join one of these big clubs,” said Abdirizak Mohamud, another Surad co-founder and parent.

These players compete within the Eastern Ontario District Soccer Association (EODSA), which governs competitive youth soccer from Hawkesbury to Deep River. Surad has partnered with “sanctioned” association clubs, more recently Ottawa Futsal Club, for the last seven years — playing under those clubs’ names, Arwo said.

Surad players must also wear the jerseys from their partner club during games, Arwo said, which don’t include the group’s logo,That’s a disappointment to the group and its players. The Surad mountain crest, worn during practices, is an important cultural signifier.