Street Soccer gives local kids a free World Cup experience

Nine-year-old Dylan Rufiar walked onto the field with Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, carried a Senegal flag and received a high-five from French star Kylian Mbappé before the June 16 World Cup match at MetLife Stadium.

Then Dylan and his 8-year-old sister, Aylin, watched France defeat Senegal 3-1 from seats close to the field — an experience their family said would otherwise have been financially out of reach.

Street Soccer USA brought 21 children to the match, including 11 from Sunset Park. Through a partnership with Common Goal, the children served as player escorts, walking onto the field with the Senegal team before staying to watch the match.

To be eligible, the players first had to complete a Quaker nutrition program Street Soccer held during the winter.

“I felt really excited and nervous,” Dylan said. “I thought I was going to miss when we were all on camera.”

Aylin said her nerves faded as she entered the stadium holding hands with a Senegal player.

“I got very nervous, but then I felt happy,” she said. “Not a lot of people get to do that.”

Although she walked out with Senegal, Aylin admitted she supported France once the match began.

For another participant, 10-year-old Jafeth, the opportunity arrived almost as if in answer to a wish.

A few days before his family learned that he had been selected, Jafeth asked his mother, Abigaill, how children got to walk onto the field with professional players. The news arrived one day before his 10th birthday.

Abigaill created a “VIP Birthday Ticket,” placed it inside a gift bag labeled “From Street Soccer” and gave it to him during his soccer-themed birthday celebration.

“The first thing he said was, ‘Is it real? Is this a joke? No, is it real?’” Abigaill said. “Then he started jumping with excitement.”

Jafeth said he felt both excited and nervous as he entered the field in front of the crowd while his family watched him on television. He was particularly excited to see Mbappé and receive pink Adidas F50 cleats similar to those worn by several stars throughout the tournament.

“I’ll keep those shoes safe,” he said. “When I grow up, I’ll still have those shoes, and I’ll remember the day.”

The experience was completely free for the families. Dylan and Aylin’s mother, Stephanie León, said Street Soccer provided uniforms, tickets, food and transportation. Although the parents could not attend, Street Soccer staff chaperoning the children answered their messages and sent photos throughout the day.

“This experience is unforgettable,” León said.

Street Soccer USA hopes to continue making experiences like this accessible to children who might not otherwise have them.

“We are proud to provide opportunities like this and to continue creating experiences that many of our children might not otherwise have access to,” said Fernand Grisales, a New York program manager for Street Soccer USA.

Grisales said five additional Street Soccer players are expected to attend the World Cup final.