Soccer balls bring solace to children

Angela Lynn Albemarle County
Published: April 26, 2008

In a recent letter my nephew, who is serving patrol in Mosul, Iraq, spoke of the children and the odd scene of seeing them play soccer in a dirt field with the horrible circumstances of war around them.
After reading the letter I appealed to the Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albemarle for soccer balls or equipment for this special effort, which Lt. Ken Marckesano had started to help with building relationships and trust through soccer.
Right away, Bill Mueller of SOCA was quick to respond with balls for the children in Iraq. The organization recently donated to Central America and Africa but would find some more to donate again.
Maybe soccer is the means to peace, or at least for a group of children it is solace in a ravaged place.
Thanks to Mr. Mueller, they can enjoy their youth no matter what the circumstances and find joy in a game of soccer.