Meet Courageous Use of Sport Award Winner Jaafar Alzaidi
March 3, 2023
For the past six years, Beyond Sport and WWE have partnered to celebrate incredible young leaders who are overcoming personal hardships to positively impact their communities through sport. Today, meet 18-year-old Jaafar Alzaidi, a 2022 recipient of the Courageous Use of Sport Award, presented by WWE.
“I come from a place where there is no peace. A place where you can’t find a job or even pursue a dream. When I came to the US, I was certain of one thing – that I’ll make my dreams come true and live them.”
At the age of 12, Jaafar fled Baghdad with his family to escape decades of conflict and war. To date, 9.2 million Iraqis have been internally displaced or resettled in other countries as refugees. Jaafar’s family relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the US.
This new chapter came with many challenges. Jaafar had to deal with constant bullying for his lack of an English vocabulary, his heritage and even his appearance, all while trying to adapt to a new school and culture. However, from the streets of Baghdad – where he used to play with his older brothers and cousin - to North East Philadelphia, soccer has always been a part of his journey. He got involved with his school’s soccer team and worked hard on his English skills to help him adapt to his new environment.
Others recognized his resiliency and talents leading him to be introduced to The Sports Creative (TSC) about two years ago. With a belief in the power of sport, the importance of creativity and the voices of young people, TSC co-creates community-led sports and arts programs, based on the conviction that young people understand their own context and needs.
One of the programs TSC delivers is FC Max Myers, a free soccer and personal development club that welcomes 100 young people per session in Jaafar’s Oxford Circle community – a neighborhood where many people are immigrants or refugees. With a personal understanding of the struggles these kids go through when adjusting to a new place, Jaafar signed up to be the club’s first Youth Coach. At least half of the participants are from the Middle East.
"When I first started as a coach there I didn't know anything and used to be shy. However, the group of people and coaching the young people helped me to not be shy, to be confident, to stay motivated and consistent. I like the kids that I teach, they see me as a role model for them, which is rewarding. They've seen me finish high school and it inspires them to finish their education, which is great."
Jaafar coaches both on and off the pitch, teaching weekly soccer sessions and supporting off-field learning, such as a STEM-focused youth initiative that is part of Manchester City’s Cityzens Giving program in the US with FC Max Myers. He believes that sport, and in particular soccer, is a great tool to teach young people important life skills such as communication, resilience and confidence.
Jaafar channels his own experiences to inspire his young participants to believe that anything is achievable despite the many barriers they may face. “It is possible to learn a new language, make new friends and do good in school while chasing your dreams, being proud of your heritage and growing out of your comfort zone.”
In 2022, Jaafar was also recognized for his positive influence on his community, receiving a citation from Pennsylvania State Representative Jared Solomon for his work as a coach. The Courageous Use of Sport Award is Jaafar’s most recent achievement.
“When I first heard the good news, I had goosebumps. I was really happy and proud of myself. This achievement means a lot to me and my career and I’m looking forward to the future.”
The accompanying award grant provided by WWE will help in supporting Jaafar over the next nine months, allowing him to take a personal development course to grow as a coach and acquire new equipment for his sessions. He also plans to use a portion of the funds to organize a 2023 youth soccer tournament in Oxford Circle.
Just as Jaafar inspires others through sport, he was inspired by TSC’s CEO, Joe Hewitt, who has supported him through his journey and football star Cristiano Ronaldo, who motivated him to develop a winning mindset and to be confident and consistent.
“Out of all my achievements, I’m most proud of not giving up or listening to negative thoughts and people. One of the most satisfying and rewarding aspects of my work is the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on the lives of others.”
Jaafar is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, but his ultimate goal is to be the “best soccer coach in the world and a self-made millionaire.” He’s kicking off this mission by launching his first business venture in 2023, clothing brand Grondare.
Congratulations Jaafar!