From the Field: Stories of Impact from Liberia
At Surge Soccer, every day on the field brings new stories of hope, resilience, and transformation. Our work in Liberia, a country still healing from the ravages of civil war, is filled with moments that remind us of the incredible impact soccer can have on individuals and communities. These stories are not just about the game—they are about lives changed, futures shaped, and hope restored. As we continue our mission in Liberia, we are excited to share some of the inspiring stories from the field that highlight the difference we …
Heading Back to Liberia Thursday
I’m making my fourth trip to Liberia on Thursday to assist with football development along with our education and trauma relief specialists. (September 12-23) (30 hours of travel each way, lol) Top of the list is the seminar I will be giving for approximately 68 football trainers (grassroots & academy) and observation & consulting with the U17 & U20 Boys National Teams. Meetings with: the Liberia Football Association, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Beautiful Beginnings School (our pilot/partner school for grassroots football), and Elite Teacher Training. We will also host …
Liberia’s Fatherless Generation: How Surge Soccer is Making a Difference
In Liberia, a country still grappling with the aftermath of two brutal civil wars, the scars of conflict run deep. Among the most tragic legacies of these wars is a generation of children who have grown up without fathers—often referred to as Liberia’s “fatherless generation.” This demographic, which makes up more than half of the nation’s population under the age of 16, faces a daunting future with limited access to education, mentorship, and positive role models. At Surge Soccer, we are committed to addressing this urgent need by using the …
Local Soccer Coach Authors Books, Coaches in Africa
Dave Irby Co-Authors first of its kind University textbook and heads back to Africa to help develop soccer at all levels Dave Irby burst onto the Salem area soccer scene as the Cascade Surge Head Coach back in 1997. Along the way he coached soccer at: Salem United, Keizer Soccer Club, Blanchet Catholic High Scho0l and Corban University. While not seen on the local soccer scene in a number of years Irby has crisscrossed the globe to multiple countries helping with soccer development. Training coaches in grassroots soccer in Ecuador and …
Liberia is Next! ~ September 12-23
Please read the attached letter and as always we appreciate your prayers and financial support. sharing hope through soccer, Dave Irby
Orphanage+Cancer+Crazy Roads+100,000 Leaders+Swimming Pool+No Cleats
While it is a little early for Christmas music, or my Christmas coffee mug – even for me; thesethoughts from Bob Goff’s LIVE IN GRACE, WALK IN LOVE: A 365 DAY JOURNEY are relevant all yearlong: “The story of Christmas tells us a lot about how God rolls. When the angel came to Mary totell her what would happen, that message didn’t come with a playbook of everything thatwould come after… [or for Joseph]; The same goes for the wisemen…God doesn’t give usthe play-by-play of what’s to come when He …
****Orphanage Charity Match in Tecate, Mexico, July 20th.*** old players needed LOL
Once again David Welk, Surge Board Treasurer is heading up our Orphanage Charity Match Saturday, July 20th at noon in Tecate, Mexico Please contact me. – dirby@surgesoccer.org Players 65 & older are invited to play, or donate online.
Updates on an intern, Massa, BBS2, and Ollie
Winifred, one of the Liberia Christian Leadership interns, is such an exciting story to watch as God writes across her life. She is the one intern who has a mentor/sponsor, and she is growing, using the skills she has learned through Surge Soccer, and applying them to the pursuit of the goal God has placed on her heart-opening a pregnancy center in Monrovia, Liberia. Here are a few excerpts from her latest communication with her sponsor/mentor: Thanks for always supporting me in this journey I have started for the future …
Liberia Interns – April 2024 Update
Our interns in Liberia are amazing and could use your support. Find out how. “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill (1874-1965) United Kingdom Prime Minister Intern Updates Intern Update for April Winifred Gaye-Positives: Engaged in a 15 country tournament focusing with the local teams on Sammy Surge guidelines of fair play. Continuing to introduce the fair play program to other teams Would like to continue to develop: basic computer skills preparing to learn more to support my future …
Revolutionizing Reading in Liberia
“Revolutionizing Reading in Liberia” discusses Surge Soccer’s initiative to improve literacy among Liberian youth through soccer-based educational programs. It highlights the challenges faced by the education system in Liberia and showcases the impact of combining sports with learning. The program uses soccer to engage children and incorporate reading and educational activities, aiming to foster a love for learning and improve literacy rates.