Nawaf Alnawfi, newest member of the Street Soccer USA Park Staff
Nawaf has been a Street Soccer USA Program Participant for 16 months. In that time, he has successfully graduated from high school, began his four year college degree at SFSU, and most recently obtained a job through the SSUSA Job Skills Academy. The SSUSA Jobs Academy partners local and national businesses with Street Soccer USA programs across the country. Businesses offer mock-interviews, mentorship, and give a first look to SSUSA participants for jobs that become available knowing that they have completed the SSUSA jobs skills curriculum. Some of our current partners in the Jobs Academy include UNIQLO, Columbus Cyclery, Coffee Bar, Street Soccer USA Park, Starbucks and the Gap. Interested in getting your company involved? Email Jefferson@streetsoccerusa.org.
Nawaf is taking his intense passion for soccer and knowledge of the beautiful game and applying it to the workplace, as a newly hired referee at Street Soccer USA Park in San Francisco. He has been competing at that facility for 8 months, and it’s his favorite part of the week. Now he can have a more influential role in the soccer community at SSUSA Park as an employee and referee. In addition to refereeing games, he contributes to other administrative tasks, such as getting players registered, organizing equipment, cleaning up and closing the facility down. This is Nawaf’s first part time job. He has been focusing on his studies since arriving in America, from Yemen, in 2014. He has three younger sisters, so it’s important for him to be a positive role-model. Being a Street Soccer player helps him stay focused and committed to his goals. SSUSA Park General Manager Austin Allison, who trained and supervises Nawaf said, “The great thing is that Nawaf already knows all of the rules so all he needs to do is working on his confidence and he’ll be a great referee! He is going to make an immediate impact as he is available to work most nights.”
Read below for interview Nawaf and his Street Soccer USA Coach, Benjamin Anderson
Nawaf – pictured fourth from right with his Tenderloin Street Soccer Club teammates
BA: Are you nervous?
NA: Yes a little bit, but it will be a good opportunity to learn new skills.
BA: What are you most excited about?
NA: It is interesting to be a referee because you’re on the other side. It helps you learn a lot about respect. It’s important for the referee to respect the players and the players to respect the referee.
BA: How much are you going to work?
NA: As much as possible. Hopefully 5 nights per week.
BA: Is this a good job for you?
NA: Absolutely! I love soccer, and it’s perfect because I can focus on school during the day, but it’s important to get work experience and make some money in the evenings. Also it is right next to my family’s apartment so it’s convenient.
BA: What do you want your legacy to be as a referee?
NA: I will give many blue cards, to recognize fair play, sportsmanship and respect.
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