Soccer’s Impact on Young Palestinian-Americans in New Jersey

On a hot Saturday evening in Passaic County, New Jersey, about 60 kids gathered at a soccer field, dripping in sweat. These young players, training near the FIFA NY/NJ Stadium, find the sport as an outlet for their aspirations and feelings.

Without soccer, the world has no meaning, said Taim Nadin during a water break. If I didn’t play soccer, I’d be nothing. Taim, aged 13, moved from Qatar and practices with a club that is largely supported by the Palestinian-American community in New Jersey. Despite its focus on kids from Palestinian backgrounds, the club includes children from various communities.

Coach Omar Abdulaziz, who leads the Palestino Soccer Academy, explained the club’s origins. It started three years ago to teach soccer and address the emotional impact of the Gaza conflict on children. Soccer is a moment to disconnect, a moment of tranquility, shared Abdulaziz, who moved from the West Bank to Puerto Rico as a teenager.

While the Palestinian national soccer team did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, conditions in Gaza have worsened where 90% of sports infrastructure is destroyed. Israeli attacks have claimed 450 lives, including athletes and officials.

The boys in New Jersey cheer for other teams and stars like Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old striker for Spain. In June, Yamal waved a Palestinian flag during a victory parade for FC Barcelona, captivating the boys in New Jersey. I thought it was very special for the people who are going through the worst right now, said Obaida Al Amleh, a 14-year-old who was affected by violence in the West Bank.

After learning about tragedy in his homeland, Obaida went to the soccer field instead of staying home. He and his teammates played for hours, finding soccer a way to cope with their emotions. You can ball on the pitch, or bawl at home, he said.

Anas Baba of NPR also contributed to this report from Gaza.