On Saturday, July 25, Romero House joined refugee-serving organizations from across Toronto for the 2026 Refugee Soccer Cup. Held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the tournament brought together players, families, staff, volunteers, and supporters for a day filled with soccer, community, and fun. The event was part of the annual Refugee Soccer Cup, which fosters connection and community through the shared love of the game among shelter organizations supporting refugee claimants in the city.
Romero House was proud to bring a team of 24 players to the tournament. They were joined by about 25 family members, current and former residents, staff, and volunteers, who came out to cheer from the sidelines and support the team. The energy and encouragement from the Romero House community made the day especially meaningful.
The team played two exciting games. Romero House started the tournament with a 2–1 victory, giving everyone plenty to celebrate. Although the team lost its second game and was eliminated from the competition, the players gave it their all and represented Romero House with enthusiasm and great sportsmanship. In the end, Sojourn House won the 2026 Refugee Soccer Cup.
The tournament was about much more than the final scores. The FIFA Foundation provided funding to help cover event supplies, while each participating organization contributed something to share with everyone. Romero House brought soft drinks for participants and supporters to enjoy.
For Romero House, the Refugee Soccer Cup was a wonderful opportunity to come together, cheer one another on, meet members of the wider refugee-serving community, and enjoy a beautiful summer day. It was a reminder that soccer can be much more than a game: it can be a way to build friendships and create belonging!