Street Soccer USA puts community at the forefront; we understand the importance of building, connecting, and celebrating the communities we bring soccer to. Which is why, when Street Soccer USA was invited, for the second year, to join in the celebrations and activations of Oakland’s Black Joy Parade we were delighted!
On the day of the event, right in front of the main stage at Black Joy Parade, we put on a Street Soccer Tournament. The tournament drew in crowds and competitors from all ages and background; to name a few – Oakland’s developing professional team The Oakland Roots submitted a team, The Oakland Athletic Club, Street Soccer USA Participants from Oaklands’ continuation high schools, My Yute Soccer Camps’ teen mentors, and dozens of youth and adults from the community competed. To cap off the tournament, hit-artist T-Pain took the stage during our semi and final matches!
The Black Joy Parade exists to provide the Black community of Oakland and their allies a live experience that celebrates our influence on cultures past, present and future. Black Joy Parade will unite a diverse community by creating a space to express each of our unique contributions to the Black experience.
We knew this year was going to be big, so we teamed up with My Yute Soccer Camp – an organization with over a decade of work to build a grassroots soccer culture in Oakland by providing free soccer camps to local youth.
Street Soccer USA is proud to be a part of a growing soccer movement in Oakland, and we are thankful to have the support of organizations like My Yute Soccer Club that welcome us to the space.
