Afghan refugees treated to free FC Tulsa match

TULSA, Okla. — Around 150 Afghan refugees working to resettle their lives in our area were treated to a free FC Tulsa match Saturday night.

Two minutes into the match was all it took —

“They’re already joining the chants, joining the cheers,” FC Tulsa Director of Operations Wayne Farmer said. 

“They know we want to beat OKC tonight,” he said.

But the fans in section 118 never would have thought they’d find themselves in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.

“So we got to meet these people last week,” Farmer said. “Refugees from Afghanistan.”

They’re our newest neighbors.

“Most of them left their country two or three weeks ago,” he said. “They left loved ones behind, they left belongings behind.”

One thing their new home has in common with their old one — a place to watch the world’s pastime.

“I know soccer is the world’s game,” said Kevin Harper, executive Director of Food on the Move. “This is the game they love. And they’ve been excited all week.”

Their free-of-charge admission to Saturday’s match was all made possible by FC Tulsa in partnership with Food on the Move and Catholic Charities, who are working to provide them with all the food and necessities they need to resettle. Tulsa Public Schools provided buses to get them form ONEOK Field Saturday.

“Really the heart of this game is just to show the Tulsa spirit,” Harper said.

A spirit of generosity. Of welcoming.

“This is a great way for us to just show them the love of Tulsa and just enjoy a night of relaxation and cheering for their new team,” he said.

Sending the message loud and clear: you are home here.

Afghan refugees treated to free FC Tulsa match | FOX23