Graduating Senior Ta Lay Shee.

Finishing their first soccer season with a 7-1 record, the boys at Hope Academy just wanted to play.  But their story and their skills on the field drew positive attention and a greater awareness of Louisville’s Karen community.

CBF field personnel Steve Clark and Annette Ellard, in partnership with their home church, Crescent Hill Baptist Church, serve the Karen refugee community in Louisville, Ky. 

Displaced by civil war in Burma, the Karen began to resettle in the United States in 2006, and Steve and Annette welcomed them. Daily they work to manage and assist with any challenges the refugees may face.

After noticing the struggles many of the middle school and high school-aged Karen youth face in public schools, Annette wanted to provide an alternative. So, last August, Annette founded Hope Academy.  She had no idea that also meant starting a soccer team.

“Of all the titles I ever thought I’d have, athletic director and soccer mom were never on the list,” Annette said. “Nevertheless, during the past school year, I have been both.  The fact that I know nothing about soccer was not relevant. I knew that it was important to my boys, so I did it.  But I never dreamed it would have all the benefits that it has had.”

Graduating Senior Ye Bah charges the goal with the ball.

Annette assumed the role of athletic director, organizing the details, registering the team in a league, finding jerseys and fielding questions from families and league officials. The “Hope Heroes” competed in their first season this past winter in an indoor league for high school students.

The sport is strong in the Karen culture.  They play for fun, even in celebration of holidays or other big events.  So the boys are skilled because they have been playing all their lives.  And because of their skill, it did not take long before they had a following, drawing 30 to 70 fans at each game.

The Hope Heroes soccer team with Steve and Annette.

“It has given the Karen community a team to support, and it has given their church and American friends a new point of connection,” Annette said.  “It really turned out to be a wonderful thing for the community and for the students, for them to have that opportunity to really shine in front of their community.”

Now, seeking help from a sponsorship, the students hope to be able to register for both league sessions next school year.