A community‑driven soccer initiative
Robert Onjiko, a former professional player from Kenya and a medical researcher, has launched Somerville United FC, a free soccer team based in Somerville, Massachusetts.
The club competes in the United Premier Soccer League and the American Premier Soccer League, offering a pay‑free alternative to the pay‑to‑play model that dominates youth soccer in the United States, where seasonal fees often range from $1,700 to $3,000.
Onjiko’s vision stems from his own experience navigating a pay‑to‑play system and his desire to make the sport accessible to immigrants and families who might otherwise be excluded.
The team operates without mandatory uniforms; players who cannot afford kits are sponsored or allowed to play without them, reinforcing the club’s inclusive ethos.
Since its inaugural match in March, Somerville United FC has grown to 45 volunteers who handle sales, marketing and outreach, and it has partnered with the City of Somerville’s Office of Immigrant Affairs to reach newcomers.
Plans are already underway to field a women’s side and to provide free youth soccer training that emphasizes safe practices, stretching and nutrition; a recent session attracted 98 participants.
Upcoming fixtures are scheduled in nearby Everett and Medford, expanding the club’s reach while maintaining its community‑first mission.
Looking ahead
Onjiko, who continues his research on a malaria vaccine, sees the soccer program as a platform to promote health, cohesion and opportunity for people from all backgrounds.
By removing financial barriers and fostering a welcoming environment, Somerville United FC aims to set a precedent for other municipalities seeking to blend sport, public health and immigrant integration.