Not Just Football is a full-length documentary (70 minutes) that tells the incredible story of Darfur United, an all-refugee men's soccer team from a forgotten region, in camps on the Chad-Sudan border, and their amazing journey from genocide to playing on an international stage at the 2012 Viva World Cup in Iraq. This inspiring film—and the team—look to shine the spotlight back on Darfur and bring hope to millions of refugees around the globe. 

Note: The film is an amazing chance for soccer players, coaches, and parents to learn about the intersection of soccer and social change.

Following the film please join us for a discussion and meet-and-greet with:
• Mark Hodson, Darfur United Head Coach
• Gabriel Stauring, iACT Founder, Chief of Vision and Strategy
• Souliman, Darfur United Goal Keeper

The film is being hosted by WorldOregon and Never Again Coalition, and Portland State University's Office of International Affairs and the Middle East Studies Center

The film is free and open to the public but RSVP is required.

View the Trailer

Coach Mark Hodson is currently the Youth Director of Coaching at Beach Futbol Club in Southern California and the President of Evolution Soccer Programs. He previously served as Regional Manager and District Leader for Major League Soccer Camps from 1999-2010. He holds a USSF A License, an NSCAA Premier Diploma, and a U.S. Youth National License. In 2012, Coach Mark traveled from Hermosa Beach, California to refugee camps in eastern Chad to conduct the inaugural Darfur United tryouts, during which he helped select the first thirteen Darfur United players. As a volunteer coach, he has since guided the team’s long-term soccer development and lead the team to two World Cups and held training camps for the team in Sweden, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The continual improvement of Darfur United is recognized each time the team takes the field—a testament to Mark’s dedication and soccer expertise.

Souliman is the Darfur United goalkeeper. Souliman was forced to flee his home in Darfur at a young age and spent his formative years living in refugee Camp Gaga on the border of Chad-Sudan. In 2012, when the team was first formed in the Darfuri refugee camps, he was too young to participate. But since being resettled in the U.S. and living in Kansas City, Souliman had the opportunity to try-out for the team and was selected as the team's goalkeeper. In addition to playing for Darfur United and inspiring Darfuris all over the world, he aspires to be a lawyer.