Outcasts United: The Story of a Refugee Soccer Team

A moving account of how a diverse refugee soccer team inspired an entire community in the United States can be found in the young people's edition of "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference." This complex and inspirational story focuses on the Fugees, a youth soccer team composed of refugees from around the world, and their formidable female coach, Luma Mufleh.

Luma Mufleh, a young Jordanian woman who was educated in the United States and working as a coach for private youth soccer teams in Atlanta, was out for a drive one day when she ended up in Clarkston, Georgia. There, she was amazed and delighted to see young boys, of diverse backgrounds, playing soccer on every flat surface they could find, some even barefoot. Inspired by what she witnessed, Luma decided to quit her job, move to Clarkston, and start a soccer team that would soon defy the odds.

Despite facing challenges in locating a practice field, minimal funding for uniforms and equipment, and a lack of fans on the sidelines, the Fugees practiced hard and demonstrated a team spirit that drew admiration from referees and competitors alike. Outcasts United explores how the community changed with the influx of refugees and how the dedication of Luma Mufleh and the entire Fugees soccer team inspired an entire community.

Praise for Outcasts United, the young people's edition, includes an "uplifting underdog story" from Kirkus Reviews and "motivating messages that will resonate with teen readers" from School Library Journal (Starred Review). The adult bestseller, Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference, has also received critical acclaim, with a "Wonderful, poignant book" that is "highly recommended" according to Library Journal (Starred Review). Additionally, the book has been described as "Engagingly written" by School Library Journal, "Richly detailed, uplifting … educational and enriching" by Kirkus Reviews, and "Inspiring...richly detailed...Deeply satisfying...a bighearted book" by Shelf Awareness.

This remarkable story of a diverse refugee soccer team and their inspiring coach, Luma Mufleh, is a testament to the power of sport to bring communities together and overcome adversity. The young people's edition of Outcasts United is a must-read for anyone seeking an uplifting and educational narrative that celebrates the resilience and determination of individuals who have faced significant challenges.

product information: