“I think there are a lot of things that soccer does in the communities that transcend the soccer field.” – Brandi Chastain.

Soccer is considered one of the great neutralizers in developing countries around the world. In Haiti, it is the heartbeat of a child’s youth. At any given moment a soccer game is being played, on open dusty fields or in the middle of temporary camp communities. It’s impossible to experience Haiti without experiencing her love for soccer.

Read about how Samaritan's Purse is reaching out to "the least" in Cite Soleil.

Samaritan’s Purse has begun community engagement events in Cite Soleil, to help bring some happiness in an area where recreation is a rare luxury during the daily harshness of life. For several weeks in March and April, Samaritan’s Purse hosted the “Tournament of Hope” soccer tournament to help diffuse election-related tension and provide a healthy outlet for young adults residing in the large slum.




Players representing seven different city zones played each weekend until the final match, when zones Wharf and Belecout competed for the trophy. Fans came from the competing zones to cheer as the teams played an action-packed final under the setting sun. The game ended in a tie and went to a heated series of shootouts, where Belecout won by a narrow margin.

Celebrating erupted as the trophies and medals were handed out. Players from the winning team carried the team captain on their shoulders and exclaimed, “We did it! We did it!”




Community outreach is an integral part of the work Samaritan’s Purse is doing in Cite Soleil to continually show this forgotten area that we care for their needs—both physically and spiritually.

Samaritan's Purse , Haiti , Tournament of Hope

Previous Update: Making Families Whole

Next Update: No Limits