On the practice field, three soccer teams sprint around the edges of the grass, whistles blowing, balls soaring through the air. Their coaches—at least six of them—provide instructions, pointers, and gentle nudges that redirect the play. For the kids gathered here—many of them relatively new to the U.S. and some still learning English—this isn’t just a game. It’s a community, a central part of their academic and personal lives.
At the center of it all is Nations United, a youth soccer organization now in its ninth year. Through the universal language of soccer, the volunteer program supports, celebrates, and empowers refugee kids, though all are welcome. What began as a conversation in a library between librarian and founder Mary Karol Taylor and two of her students has grown into a vibrant community with over 100 players.
“There were two boys from Iraq who were just obsessed with soccer. I asked if they were on a team, and they said that was their dream,” Taylor said. After promising to help them, she said that there were 20 more kids in her office. “And we kept running into barrier after barrier, which made me more determined.”
Named by the very first team, the phrase—Nations United—is intended to reflect the fantastic mix of cultures, languages, and homelands. “They say soccer is the world sport. When I started this work, I realized it was true,” she said.
Taylor recognized the need to introduce kids to organized soccer in advance of high school, where the level of competition can be prohibitive to newcomers, though for many, making a high school team is the ultimate goal. And there are a fair number who stick with it, going on to play at high school and even college.
A high number of siblings also enroll in the program. Taylor said that one player, who started with Nations United at 12 and now plays for Treasure Valley Community College, has four younger sisters who play soccer because of their sister’s success.
“One of our original girls came back and coached for us for three years,” said Taylor. “It has been really neat to be at this long enough to see the longitudinal benefits of it all.”
Youth sports are expensive—obstacles like fees, transportation, equipment, and even technology often prevent kids from participating. With support from the greater community, including Boise Parks and Recreation, Nations United is able to provide solutions that work for refugee families, including forming new teams or integrating players into existing teams.
With just one part-time, seasonal paid employee, community support is crucial. As a grassroots, volunteer organization, Nations United relies on donations of equipment, time, and money to keep programs running. Their volunteer coaches are especially essential. Taylor said that, season after season, she’s seen the safety net that’s formed when caring adults build relationships to help solve problems on and off the field. “Our volunteers and coaches have been able to help our players and families in ways that have nothing to do with soccer,” she said.
Moses Mukenge is the most tenured coach at Nations United. He started playing soccer in the U.S. when he came here as a refugee during his teen years, earning a scholarship with Idaho Rush Soccer Club and making his high school team. He says that soccer is an integral part of his assimilation to life in the U.S. and in Boise, which is why he is so committed to Nations United.
“We get a lot of funny kids in the program. Over the last eight years, it’s been great to watch everybody understand each other through soccer. That’s its own language. When they get here, they’re one team, one Nations United,” he said.
Beth Gross, another longtime coach, found Nations United when she was volunteering with the International Rescue Committee.
On her girls’ team, the goalie kicks the ball in only athletic socks. “She’s lived here about a year, and I can’t get her to wear shoes,” Gross laughed. She points out the pairs of sisters on the team and tells a group of girls to put down their phones. Tears in her eyes, Gross said that she gets messages sometimes from kids who thank her for taking care of them. “That’s why I do it,” she said. “I want them to have the same opportunities. It fills my bucket way more than theirs.”
Since their beginning in 2016, Nations United has had a waitlist, and Taylor and her team are dedicated to finding opportunities for every kid that wants a place to play. This year, they have older girls helping as assistant coaches, developing their skills and learning to be leaders—but it requires volunteers and funding.
“It’s chaos. We get a little silly,” Gross said, gesturing toward the field. “But this is a winning team now that we found a little structure and organization. They learned, and the first time they scored, we were all crying—not because we’re winning, but because they’re seeing progress. They show up ready.”
Kenji Wright coaches two teams for Nations United. He’s got a son on each, which he said is rewarding. “I love soccer, so it’s been fun to give these kids the opportunity to play—kids that might slip through the cracks,” he said. “It’s a great program with a lot of effort behind it—fundraising, logistics, coordinating, getting coaches. It’s tricky, but it’s fun. Where else would I want to be on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon? I hope I can keep doing it for another ten years.”
