The football team is organizing a local tournament

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A local organization helping immigrants hosted a youth soccer tournament Saturday on Buffalo’s Lower West Side.

Bridges from Borders has partnered with Buffalo’s Maendeleo Soccer Club to bring the first-ever #OneWorld soccer tournament to Western New York.

Organizers said they were working to bridge the gap between cultures through friendly competition.

“It’s rare to see all these different communities come together in one place, so when we can bring them together and really open people’s minds and break down barriers, it’s super special,” Samantha Dalka, Bridges from Borders program coordinator, told 2 On Your Side.

Bridges from Borders said it hopes to hold the tournament every year and expand to more communities. The nonprofit was founded in 2020 “due to the impact of the pandemic on the Asian community and the growing need for mental health support,” the group said.

Coaches at Maendeleo Football Club say playing sports improves children’s physical and mental health and teaches them important skills. The team is made up of refugee children.

The #OneWorld soccer tournament took place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Dobson Field.