Soccer Tournament Empowers Immigrant and Refugee Girls in Portland

Mon Mar 30 2026 21:42:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An empowering soccer tournament in Portland brings together immigrant and refugee girls, fostering community and resilience amid fears tied to immigration enforcement.

In Portland, Oregon, a vibrant soccer tournament called the 'World Cup for Immigrant Girls' has provided a platform for girls from various immigrant and refugee backgrounds to connect and thrive. Organized by Som Subedi, a Bhutanese refugee himself, this event aims to offer joy, unity, and support amidst the fears surrounding immigration enforcement. The tournament not only allowed the girls to compete but also extended support to families affected by recent deportations. With local police present to ensure a safe atmosphere, the event celebrated cultural diversity and community solidarity.

PORTLAND, Ore. — As the volunteer soccer coach shouted words of motivation, players nudged the ball past their opponents' goalies and into the net, prompting cheers from the sideline. This was the scene at a soccer tournament called the 'World Cup for Immigrant Girls' organized in Portland, Oregon, aimed at fostering joy and unity amid widespread concerns regarding immigration enforcement.

Community advocate Som Subedi, an immigrant from Bhutan and a former refugee, created this event as a safe space for girls aged 10 to 18, coming from diverse backgrounds. The tournament aimed to alleviate fears experienced by these young athletes and their families amid increasing immigration actions.

“ICE and federal enforcement must be out of our parks, out of our soccer fields, and most importantly, out of the fear in our hearts and minds,” Subedi declared during the opening ceremony.

Subedi, who lived in a refugee camp in Nepal before settling in Portland in 2008, aims to ensure girls in immigrant communities feel valued and welcomed. He stated, “This is more than a competition. It is more than soccer. We are making this a community event.”

The event highlighted the impact of federal immigration policies on youth sports. Concerns over the presence of ICE agents at sports events have led to canceled games across the country. Participants, including Valeria Hernandez, 15, shared personal stories of how immigration enforcement has affected their families. Valeria expressed sadness over her brother's deportation, underscoring the tournament's importance as a supportive community gathering.

The atmosphere was further bolstered by the presence of local police, who aimed to ensure safety rather than enforcing immigration policies, adhering to Oregon's sanctuary law.

Through this event, the players, coaches, and families celebrated cultural diversity while encouraging unity in the face of adversity. The tournament also invited non-immigrant girls to participate, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity.

“At the end of the day, soccer is a language everyone understands,” Subedi remarked. “You just come together and play.”