The CCIJust Goals tournament, now in its fourth year, gathers former ICE detainees, their families, lawyers and activists on fields across California to share stories, play soccer and raise money for legal aid.
A Game That Heals
For Pedro Ayón and Serafín Andrade, the sport first became a lifeline while they were held together in a detention center in McFarland, forging a friendship that later blossomed into a broader community.
Edwin Carmona‑Cruz, another former detainee, recalls how the simple act of passing a ball helped him cope with the uncertainty of detention and inspired him to stay involved in the tournament.
Teams are mixed‑gender and play five‑a‑side matches, and the logo of the Strikers was sketched by a Salvadoran immigrant who designed it from behind bars, turning a symbol of oppression into one of hope.
Lee Ann Felder‑Heim, an immigration lawyer with the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, participates in the event and values it as a way to connect with clients and celebrate a shared love for soccer.
A study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University and Arizona State University found that a safe and inclusive environment, such as a soccer field, can reduce anxiety and stress among immigrant populations.
Andrade and Ayón, now active organizers, believe that soccer not only healed their own trauma but also provides a platform to discuss complex topics like immigration and to raise funds for legal services.
The tournament’s reach extends far beyond California; participants from Mexico, El Salvador, Germany, India and Canada have watched or taken part remotely, illustrating how sport can bridge borders and cultures.
As the final whistle blows each season, the echoes of cheers remind everyone that a simple game can become a powerful catalyst for healing, solidarity and justice.