The Arabic language can be heard on the soccer fields in Frisco this week. In the stands, the flag of Iraq is being proudly displayed by fans, cheering for members of Iraq's 14-and under National Soccer team.
The Dallas Cup isn't about the Manchester United teams of this world, its about the diversity of the world,” says Gordon Jago, Executive Director of the Dallas Cup
For these youngsters, this weeks Dallas Cup, represents a week long escape from their war torn country. A network from Iraq is providing daily updates on the team’s progress.
“We report all the news to the Iraqi people,” says Husam Dhumed, a reporter for Alhurra TV. “They’re in touch, because they want to know everything about them.”
The players don't know the English language, but they love soccer. They've only been in town for four days, but that's long enough to master video games, and take their on field celebrations to another level.
In a game on Tuesday, their second of the Dallas Cup, Iraq beat Monterrey 6-to-0. All the players are experiencing life in America first hand, by staying in homes with families.
“The boys are just thrilled to be here,” says Jennifer Helm, a resident of Frisco, Texas. They feel like its a great privilege to be part of this. I know my family as well as the other host families, are just overjoyed to be a part of all this, international experience.”
And it didn't take long for them to acquire a taste for American food. “Hamburgers,” says one youngster. “Fried Chicken,” says Mizher Alhashimi, the team’s interpreter.
One think is very clear, their favorite flag is the flag from Iraq.
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