Screening and discussion of Street Soccer: New York

On Monday, June 2nd, at 7:30pm First Parish in Needham will host a screening and discussion of Street Soccer: New York, a unique film that tells the story of twelve homeless men who used soccer to change their destiny.  The discussion will be led by director Dan Hedges, who grew up in Needham.

Each night in New York City approximately 40,000 people go without a permanent home. Hedges and writer David Murphy follow a New York soccer team comprised entirely of homeless players as they train and prepare for the Street Soccer USA Cup, an annual soccer tournament for homeless players. 

During their journey, the players face challenges on and off the field, using their skills to chase a championship and taking leaps to rebuild their lives. This film shatters preconceptions about the homeless and provides an alternative view on how to address the problem of homelessness.

Street Soccer: New York begins shortly before the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Street Soccer USA Cup. While following the entire team, the film focuses four players who are determined to change the course of their lives:

Jason, the self-proclaimed “team minister,” is the squad’s spiritual inspiration. He leads the team in prayer before every game and is never shy about preaching to his teammates. He is forced to confront his own beliefs as passions ignite and the team becomes embroiled in conflict.

Chris, the team’s unofficial captain, does his best to keep the team on task. He grew up on the east side of Manhattan, moving from low rent apartments to abandoned homes as his mother struggled to support their family. He was often so hungry that he felt weak in the knees. In 2009 Chris checked into a homeless shelter to get out of the cold. Rising from the experience would prove to be one of the biggest challenges of his life.

Ray, the starting goalkeeper, is the team’s strongest line of defense. Six months before the tournament, he was forced into the shelter system after he was found sleeping on the subway. As an immigrant, he spent the previous two years working off a debt to the men who smuggled him into the United States.

Andres, New York’s backup goalkeeper, struggles with anxiety and depression. He’s new to soccer and is nervous about performing at a high level in the tournament. Andres’ fear and trepidation highlight his condition and force him into a situation that will change him forever.

Street Soccer: New York examines the past of these players while telling the exciting story of their quest for the Street Soccer USA Cup. It’s a story of hope, despair and inspiration. It’s a stunning example of how sports can be used for social change.