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Scarborough Simbas: A Family on the Field
22 Jul
Summary
- Soccer program offers newcomers a sense of belonging and community.
- Participants receive soccer training, meals, and wellness support.
- The initiative helps refugee families rebuild lives post-displacement.
The Scarborough Simbas' community-led program, operating under Muslim Children's Aid and Support Services (MCASS), offers vital support to refugee and newcomer families. Through bi-weekly soccer practices at Terraview Park in Scarborough, the initiative aims to help families rebuild their lives after experiencing displacement, war, and trauma.
Co-founder Farkhunda Muhtaj, a professional footballer and former captain of Afghanistan's women's national team, established the program to address the isolation many families faced. Recognizing that safety is merely the starting point for resettlement, the Simbas provide not only soccer training but also shared meals, grocery gift cards, and connections to tutoring and wellness programs.
The program emphasizes creating a welcoming environment where success is defined by a child's growing confidence and a parent finding friendship. Coaches have adapted practices, removing whistles that could be triggering for those from war-torn regions, and focusing on themes like leadership and resilience, making the field feel like a safe space where individuals can be themselves.
