Each year hundreds of refugees come from around the world to make Jacksonville their new home. Often displaced by war, persecution or natural disaster and coming from the confines of impoverished refugee camps this is a massive transition. Soccer is one of the best ways to connect with refugees, since it’s the number one sport in almost all countries they relocate from. Soccer is also a way to pro
vide a unifying environment that breaks down cultural barriers, creates new friendships and helps assimilation. Refugees who are placed in Jacksonville are often unnoticed, since it’s common for newly settling refugees to isolate to their own people group. But, soccer is a platform that encourages healthy integration and the opportunity to build cross-cultural relationships in our community. All Nations Soccer (ANS) was created to provide a soccer ministry for youth and adult refugees and people of all nations to participate in a healthy soccer community. ANS partners with churches and businesses in Jacksonville and beyond to help bridge relationships with refugees and to help all nations in our city discover and grow a relationship with Jesus.
