By Jay Valle —
NBC News
Jocelyn Ruiz and her two children arrived in New York more than a year ago after emigrating from Venezuela.
The oldest had many difficulties moving from one shelter to another, although he has seen a significant change since he enrolled him in a soccer program created for children like him.
“Thank God I found this program that has helped us a lot,” said Ruiz.
“He's doing better in school, he's improved a lot.”
Children play soccer during an A3FC program practice in New York.Jay Valle / NBC News
Ruiz's son is one of 50 minors between the ages of 8 and 14 who have had the opportunity to play through the A3FC soccer program, the idea of Talya Landesberg, who is only 16 years old.
“I started hearing about the growing number of immigrant families living in shelters in New York,” Landesberg explained.
“And when I was thinking about how I could help, I turned to football, which is the sport I love.”
Through a connection with local nonprofit Artists-Athletes-Activists, the program is creating a space where immigrant children can just be kids.
It's a respite for some of the thousands of immigrant families who face obstacles after arriving in New York City.
[Immigrant with his baby in his arms receives an electric shock after a confrontation with agents in a New York shelter]
The program not only allows kids to be kids and enjoy a beloved sport, but it also offers free meals, uniforms, and transportation to the soccer field.
Volunteers also help parents of minors fill out the forms and answer any questions they may have.
It has also helped parents and children relate to each other.
Jenny Fernández's 12-year-old son joined the team two months ago.
“It has been very good for him.
It's a lot of fun for them to have to be on a field, hang out with their teammates, have a uniform and a pair of shoes,” Fernández noted.
Above all, children cultivate friendships and community in the countryside.
“It's an escape for them, a chance to feel like they belong,” said Power Malu, founder of Artists-Athletes-Activists, an Afro-Puerto Rican activist who got his start in hip-hop and has since focused on create fitness and other programs for disadvantaged communities throughout the organization.
For Landesberg, sports were a way to offer children a sense of community.
“Many of them do not speak the same language, we have children from all over the world, from Afghanistan to Venezuela,” he added, “but through sport they are able to communicate.
“Football is a universal language.”