American Pyramid
  • Home
  • Standings
    • Regional Leagues >
      • Gulf Coast Premier League
      • Northeast Elite Soccer League
    • East Region >
      • Connecticut >
        • Amateur Soccer League of CT
        • Connecticut Adult Soccer League
        • Connecticut Soccer League
        • Shoreline Adult Soccer League
        • Southern New England Adult Soccer League
      • Maryland >
        • Maryland Major Soccer League
        • Mason-Dixon Soccer League
        • Washington Premier League
      • Massachusetts >
        • Bay State Soccer League
        • EMWSL
        • FA 1
        • Mass State Soccer League
        • USAfrica Soccer League
      • New Hampshire >
        • New Hampshire Soccer Conference
      • New Jersey >
        • Garden State Soccer League
        • Medford Soccer Association
        • North Jersey Soccer League
      • New York >
        • Buffalo District Soccer League
        • Caribbean Cup Soccer
        • Central New York State Soccer League
        • Cosmopolitan Soccer League
        • Eastern District Soccer League
        • Long Island Soccer Football League
        • Rochester District Soccer League
        • Syracuse Soccer Association
      • Pennsylvania >
        • American Soccer League
        • Capital Area Soccer League
        • Casa Soccer League
        • Erie Soccer League
        • Harrisburg Area Women's Soccer League
        • PA West Adult Soccer
        • Philadelphia Premier Soccer League
        • USL - Pennsylvania
      • Vermont >
        • Vermont Amateur Soccer League
      • Virginia >
        • Commonwealth Soccer League
        • CVA Soccer
        • Northern Virginia Adult Soccer Association
        • Richmond Adult Soccer Association
        • Soccer Organization Charlottesville Area
    • South Region >
      • Alabama >
        • Southern Alabama Soccer Association
      • Florida >
        • APSL
        • Beaches Adult Soccer League
        • Coral Springs Men's Soccer League
        • Central Florida Soccer League
        • Florida Suncoast Soccer League
        • Gold Coast Soccer Premier League
        • Lakeland Adult Soccer Association
        • Miami Soccer League
        • NE Florida Soccer League
        • South Florida Leagues
        • Spring Gulf Coast
      • Georgia >
        • Atlanta District Adult Soccer League
      • Kentucky >
        • Mockingbird Soccer
      • North Carolina >
        • ABASA
      • Tennessee >
        • Middle Tennessee Soccer Alliance
      • Texas >
        • Austin Men's Soccer Association
        • Fort Worth Premier League
        • North Texas Premier Soccer Association
        • Texas Collegiate Soccer League
    • Midwest Region >
      • Illinois >
        • Central Illinois Soccer League
        • CLASA Soccer League
        • Metropolitan Soccer League
        • National Soccer League of Chicago
        • Premier Soccer League Chicagoland
        • Tri-County Soccer League
      • Kansas >
        • Emporia Soccer League
        • KCK Soccer League
        • Lawrence Adult Soccer League
      • Michigan >
        • Blossomland Soccer League
        • Michigan Premier Soccer League
        • Michigan United Soccer League
      • Minnesota >
        • Duluth Amateur Soccer League
        • Minnesota Adult Soccer League
        • Minnesota Recreational Soccer League
        • Southern Minnesota Adult Soccer League
      • Ohio >
        • Cincinnati Premier League
        • Columbus Premier League
        • Dayton Amateur Soccer League
        • Lake Erie Soccer League
        • Northeast Ohio Amateur Soccer Association
      • Wisconsin >
        • Northern Wisconsin Soccer League
        • Wisconsin Soccer Leagues
    • West Region >
      • Arizona >
        • Arizona Champions League
        • State United Amateur Soccer League
      • California >
        • California International Soccer Club
        • NorCal Leagues >
          • Liga Eastbay
          • Liga South Bay
          • Liga Valley
        • Peninsula Soccer League
        • San Francisco Soccer Football League
        • So Cal Premier
        • South Bay Sports
      • Colorado >
        • Colorado Premier League
      • Hawaii >
        • Major Island Soccer Association >
          • Division 1
          • Division 2
          • Division 3
      • Montana >
        • Bozeman Adult Soccer League
        • Helena Adult Soccer Association
      • New Mexico >
        • Albuquerque Soccer League
        • Mesilla Valley Soccer League
        • Santa Fe Adult Soccer League
      • Oregon >
        • Greater Portland Soccer District
        • Oregon Premier League
        • Southern Oregon Adult Soccer
      • Utah >
        • Greater Salt Lake Soccer League
        • Premier Club Soccer League
      • Washington >
        • Evergreen Premier League
        • Greater Seattle Soccer League
        • Snohomish County Adult Soccer League
        • Western Washington Premier League
    • National Leagues >
      • National Premier Soccer League
      • Premier Development League
      • United Premier Soccer League
  • Patreon
  • Patrons
  • The Network
    • Politithink
    • Ramble Sport
  • Contact AP

Soccer for the Future: Ahmed Ismail of West Bank AC

4/6/2017

Comments

 
Picture
"Youth need an organization that looks to instill on them values of respect, fair play, responsibility, self-discipline, and the value of hard work through sports."
Today's Interview is brought to you by Rabble.tv. Rabble.TV is the future. Ever want to give live commentary on a game you’re watching? Interested in doing a podcast? Want fun things to listen to in your down time? Or when you're supposed to be working? This is the place. Content from all around the world, and all accounts are free. Follow them on Twitter at RabbleSoccer, and dive into a whole new level of Soccer Fandom.

Hello and welcome to AP once more, dear readers! A few weeks ago, I actually dropped some hints concerning the interview you are about to read. I know many of the interviews I do have covered more technical aspects of starting and running teams. This interview is not like that.

West Bank AC is a soccer club that exists to serve the Somali-American community in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This interview focuses on something very, very important that is normally talked about. Soccer as a universal language and a Community need. You'll also find more pictures in this interview than any other done before at AP. And that's because the pictures you see perfectly capture the thrust of this interview. Check it out.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Tell me a little about yourself. Who you are, where you're from, and what your role is with West Bank Athletic Club?

My name is Ahmed Ismail, and I am the official coach for the Soccer club and also the Executive Director of the organization.
    
I have been running West Bank Athletic Club by myself since 2002. Originally I am from Somali but I have been a resident of the State of Minnesota since 1998. 

How did you come to be a fan of soccer, and involved with West Bank?

I have been into sports all my life specifically soccer. I have played soccer since since childhood and joined any soccer teams that I could possibly get into, whether they were in schools, parks, and or smaller communities etc. 

In his early 20’s I felt the need for a Soccer Club for the Somali Community.

What's the story behind the creation of West Bank AC?

After seeing the struggle the Somali Communities youth faces, I thought the young boys needed something to look up to, value and keep them away from drugs and violence. I started the club in the heart of the Somali Community in Minneapolis, Minnesota where the largest Somali community outside of Somalia resides. I believed the youth needed an organization that looks to instill on them values of respect, fair play, responsibility, self-discipline, and the value of hard work through sports and that’s exactly what West Bank Athletic Club strives to provide to all of its participants.
Picture
What's behind the actual name, West Bank?

The name came to be because the program got started in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis Minnesota, which is also referred to as West Bank.


Since you're a part of such a large immigrant community, what is it like living here in the US? 

Living in the US, especially in Minnesota, is like Home. Having the largest Somali community here outside of Somalia is a blessing. Anyone can come straight from Somalia today and speak no English and they will get around just fine. There are a lot of Somali organizations and a lot of opportunities for the community here and I wanted to make sure the Somali community benefited from such opportunities. 

How has your community responded to the presence of West Bank AC?

The community has always been very supporting of the program, especially the parents. I try to always be there for the youth and not just for soccer related reasons but to support the kids overall. I strive to encourage the kids to stay active in school and put their education first no matter how good they are with soccer.

(Idil Hashi, Program Coordinator) He has been like a father figure to some of the kids and the adults in the community always put trust in him for serving the kids. While playing soccer he emphasizes the value of team work, discipline, respect, leadership, and that it’s not always about how many games they win but how well they worked together as a team during the game.

Also, we hold a lot of tournaments and our biggest one is a nine-day, non stop tournament where we have teams participating from all over the States, coming together and playing each other. We call this tournament Somali American Festival Week. The community always looks forward to our summer tournament because it is the biggest soccer tournament the Somali community has and we are proud to say we make it happen. Last year we even had a team from Canada participate which was really exciting. For the summer tournament, we mainly focus on our adults team from ages 18-26. The community really loves it when we put together tournaments like this because it’s a moment when we can put our differences and struggles aside and just enjoy the beautiful game. 
Picture
How important is it for any community, not just the Somali-American community, to have a team it can call it's own?

It is really important for the community in so many ways; firstly soccer is not famous here in the United States but it is a sport that is appreciated everywhere else in the world. Also, I am trying to bring the community together through soccer. Yes, the majority of the players and participants are of Somali descent but that is not our only aim. My goal is to get everyone involved and the community sees that, which is why they are always helping through sponsorship's, etc.

When I first started West Bank AC I was mainly thinking about the young Somali boys who had passion for the sport but didn’t have the accessibility to play. I didn’t want such talent and passion to go to waste just because these boys didn’t have the encouragement they needed and deserved. After doing this for several years I now see how much more of an impact I can have  on others lives no matter what community they are from. After all, soccer is like a language that anyone and everyone can understand and love.

Where do you hope to see West Bank AC in the next five years?

In the next five years we hope to expand the program and also for the organization to get its own facility. The younger players  deserve to get something to call their own, as right now we pretty much rent out local parks and we are happy to say we have good connections in the community.

However,  it would be better for our younger players to feel like they matter and they have something of their own just like the other kids they play sometimes. 

What are two or three things you've learned from starting and running your own soccer club?

I’ve learned that I can make a difference to a large group of people just through sports. At first I never knew I could have an impact on others lives just by providing them the time and encouragement they need. Some the of the boys I've coached and trained in the past have been through college and graduated and are living their own lives. Some of these young boys still reach out to me and thank me for giving them a chance and believing in them. Some of them just need someone to believe in them and let them know they can do whatever they set their mind to.

​Also, I’ve learned that it not always about how many games my boys win but how hard they worked together in trying to win. Some of the boys I've trained in the past have had no type of discipline and I try to teach and strengthen that in them through sports. I’ve learned that I can teach these boys so much more than just how to play soccer, while actually playing soccer.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
What is your favorite league and or team to watch for fun?

La Liga and for a team, Barcelona. 

Favorite soccer player. One past, one present.

Past: Maradona Diego.
Present: Leo Messi. 

Do you have any books, soccer related or otherwise, that you would recommend?

None that I can think of now. 

Where can people find out more about the team and how they can support it?
We have an official website and the link to that is...www.westbankac.org
Also, we pretty much have every social media platform 
Facebook: @thewbac
Twitter: @westbankAC
Also, people can send us a direct email to: [email protected] 

Overall, the best way to get a hold of someone to talk about anything or get involved in any way shape or form is to through email. 

How important is it to have a language like soccer that can bridge the gap between different communities?

I believe soccer is a form of language that is understood through team work and common understanding. It is sport that brings all communities together no matter its race, religion, ethnic background or gender. Soccer is for the common good and everyone is allowed to be present to enjoy such beautiful entertainment. Soccer emphasizes discipline, sportsmanship and leadership, which is something all communities need, especially at a time like this.

Coach, thanks again for taking the time to do this, I really appreciate it. ​Remember, if you are enjoying the weekly content coming out on AP you can Follow AP on Twitter, or Like AP on Facebook. And if you want make sure you never miss an interview, and want to read articles before everyone else, click here and sign up for the Newsletter. You'll be the first to know when articles are released and learn about other exciting content down the road. 

​Make sure to spread the word by sharing these interviews, telling friends about the blog, those kind of things. AP can't accomplish the goal of maximum exposure for all levels of the American Soccer Pyramid without YOU. Until next time, Stay Loyal, Support Local.
Comments

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Dan Roberts
    General
    Guest Post
    Interviews
    Media Partners
    MLS
    Nik Myles
    NPSL
    PDL
    Power Rankings
    Soccer And Design
    The Soccer Heel
    TWITP
    UPSL
    US Open Cup 2016
    Women

    Partners

    Soccer Elf
    Non League America
    For the Love of Futbol
    ​Rabble.tv 
    ​
    Michael Taylor
    ​MeritFit.co
    LeagueApps

    Archives

    February 2021
    June 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Standings
    • Regional Leagues >
      • Gulf Coast Premier League
      • Northeast Elite Soccer League
    • East Region >
      • Connecticut >
        • Amateur Soccer League of CT
        • Connecticut Adult Soccer League
        • Connecticut Soccer League
        • Shoreline Adult Soccer League
        • Southern New England Adult Soccer League
      • Maryland >
        • Maryland Major Soccer League
        • Mason-Dixon Soccer League
        • Washington Premier League
      • Massachusetts >
        • Bay State Soccer League
        • EMWSL
        • FA 1
        • Mass State Soccer League
        • USAfrica Soccer League
      • New Hampshire >
        • New Hampshire Soccer Conference
      • New Jersey >
        • Garden State Soccer League
        • Medford Soccer Association
        • North Jersey Soccer League
      • New York >
        • Buffalo District Soccer League
        • Caribbean Cup Soccer
        • Central New York State Soccer League
        • Cosmopolitan Soccer League
        • Eastern District Soccer League
        • Long Island Soccer Football League
        • Rochester District Soccer League
        • Syracuse Soccer Association
      • Pennsylvania >
        • American Soccer League
        • Capital Area Soccer League
        • Casa Soccer League
        • Erie Soccer League
        • Harrisburg Area Women's Soccer League
        • PA West Adult Soccer
        • Philadelphia Premier Soccer League
        • USL - Pennsylvania
      • Vermont >
        • Vermont Amateur Soccer League
      • Virginia >
        • Commonwealth Soccer League
        • CVA Soccer
        • Northern Virginia Adult Soccer Association
        • Richmond Adult Soccer Association
        • Soccer Organization Charlottesville Area
    • South Region >
      • Alabama >
        • Southern Alabama Soccer Association
      • Florida >
        • APSL
        • Beaches Adult Soccer League
        • Coral Springs Men's Soccer League
        • Central Florida Soccer League
        • Florida Suncoast Soccer League
        • Gold Coast Soccer Premier League
        • Lakeland Adult Soccer Association
        • Miami Soccer League
        • NE Florida Soccer League
        • South Florida Leagues
        • Spring Gulf Coast
      • Georgia >
        • Atlanta District Adult Soccer League
      • Kentucky >
        • Mockingbird Soccer
      • North Carolina >
        • ABASA
      • Tennessee >
        • Middle Tennessee Soccer Alliance
      • Texas >
        • Austin Men's Soccer Association
        • Fort Worth Premier League
        • North Texas Premier Soccer Association
        • Texas Collegiate Soccer League
    • Midwest Region >
      • Illinois >
        • Central Illinois Soccer League
        • CLASA Soccer League
        • Metropolitan Soccer League
        • National Soccer League of Chicago
        • Premier Soccer League Chicagoland
        • Tri-County Soccer League
      • Kansas >
        • Emporia Soccer League
        • KCK Soccer League
        • Lawrence Adult Soccer League
      • Michigan >
        • Blossomland Soccer League
        • Michigan Premier Soccer League
        • Michigan United Soccer League
      • Minnesota >
        • Duluth Amateur Soccer League
        • Minnesota Adult Soccer League
        • Minnesota Recreational Soccer League
        • Southern Minnesota Adult Soccer League
      • Ohio >
        • Cincinnati Premier League
        • Columbus Premier League
        • Dayton Amateur Soccer League
        • Lake Erie Soccer League
        • Northeast Ohio Amateur Soccer Association
      • Wisconsin >
        • Northern Wisconsin Soccer League
        • Wisconsin Soccer Leagues
    • West Region >
      • Arizona >
        • Arizona Champions League
        • State United Amateur Soccer League
      • California >
        • California International Soccer Club
        • NorCal Leagues >
          • Liga Eastbay
          • Liga South Bay
          • Liga Valley
        • Peninsula Soccer League
        • San Francisco Soccer Football League
        • So Cal Premier
        • South Bay Sports
      • Colorado >
        • Colorado Premier League
      • Hawaii >
        • Major Island Soccer Association >
          • Division 1
          • Division 2
          • Division 3
      • Montana >
        • Bozeman Adult Soccer League
        • Helena Adult Soccer Association
      • New Mexico >
        • Albuquerque Soccer League
        • Mesilla Valley Soccer League
        • Santa Fe Adult Soccer League
      • Oregon >
        • Greater Portland Soccer District
        • Oregon Premier League
        • Southern Oregon Adult Soccer
      • Utah >
        • Greater Salt Lake Soccer League
        • Premier Club Soccer League
      • Washington >
        • Evergreen Premier League
        • Greater Seattle Soccer League
        • Snohomish County Adult Soccer League
        • Western Washington Premier League
    • National Leagues >
      • National Premier Soccer League
      • Premier Development League
      • United Premier Soccer League
  • Patreon
  • Patrons
  • The Network
    • Politithink
    • Ramble Sport
  • Contact AP