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Soccer Without Borders (SWB) is honored to welcome SWB Alumnus, Warshan Hussin, to our Board of Directors!
Warshan’s journey with SWB began over a decade ago as a participant in Baltimore after his family resettled in the U.S. as refugees from Iraq. Since then, he has grown from a young player finding his place in a new country to an alumnus, coach, staff member, and now, a member of our board—a testament to the transformative power of soccer, education, and community.
A graduate of the University of Baltimore with a degree in International Business, Warshan brings both professional expertise and lived experience to SWB's leadership team. As an Operations Manager at LAZ Parking in Washington DC and a former Finance Coordinator at SWB, Warshan has honed his skills in leadership, finance, and mentorship, making him uniquely equipped to contribute to SWB's mission.
Warshan’s personal connection to SWB has inspired him to give back to the community that helped shape him. He understands firsthand the challenges that newcomers face and the impact of programs that foster belonging and opportunity. His story epitomizes SWB’s vision of empowering young people to achieve their fullest potential—not just on the soccer field, but as leaders and change-makers in their communities.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion of welcoming an alumnus to our board, we asked Warshan to reflect on his journey and share his hopes for the future of SWB:
How did you first discover Soccer Without Borders as a newcomer to the U.S.? How did soccer help you through that transition?
"When I first came here, I did not speak any English at all... I remember how one of the case managers at [International Rescue Committee], which is the refugee resettlement in Baltimore, reached out and said like, ‘Hey, you guys love soccer. So why don’t you come out? There’s this coach wanting to start a little program, start a little soccer team.’
"I showed up to the second day of the program. And that’s when I first met Coach Jill, she was there with a bike and a bag that had just one soccer ball. There were about 30 to 40 kids from all over the world and they all came for one reason, and it was to play soccer.
"The biggest struggle for me was to go to school, to feel like I belonged here [in the United States]... Soccer Without Borders made me feel like I belonged to something. And that’s why I stuck around."
What does being both an alumnus and former staff member of SWB mean to you? How have these experiences shaped your personal and professional journey?
"When you grow up as a participant, you don’t see the behind-the-scenes work. But later, when I came back to SWB as staff, I realized how much effort goes into keeping everything running. Working with the [Collective Impact Team] and helping with finance gave me experience for my business career... Then, coaching on the field in the afternoon let me stay connected to the kids.
"Being an alumnus means I’ve lived the SWB experience. I know what it’s like to be a newcomer struggling to fit in, and I also know what it feels like to have a community that supports you. Those experiences taught me resilience and gave me the confidence to believe in my potential."
How has your connection with SWB evolved over time, and what inspires you to continue supporting the organization as a board member?
"My connection with SWB started as a participant, but it grew into something much more. As a coach and later as staff, I was able to give back to the community that shaped me. Now, as a board member, I’m excited to contribute on a larger scale.
"The most inspiring thing about SWB is how its mission never changes. No matter who comes or goes, the organization stays dedicated to empowering youth through soccer. I want to help make sure SWB continues to grow and reach even more young people."
As someone who has experienced SWB’s impact firsthand, what do you hope to bring to the Board of Directors to help strengthen the organization's mission?
"I feel like I can bring a unique perspective to the Board of Directors as someone who’s been in the program. I know what it’s like to be a participant, a coach, and part of the staff. That experience allows me to speak to the challenges and opportunities of SWB’s work.
"My goal is to offer insights into how we can deepen our impact. For example, helping newcomers not only meet their basic needs but also dream bigger and see themselves as future leaders or change-makers."
If there’s one moment from your time with SWB that truly stands out—whether as a participant, coach, or staff—what would it be?
"There’s one story I always remember. During a game, some parents from the opposing team started yelling horrible things at us—calling us names like ‘terrorist.’ I was so angry, but Coach Jill pulled us aside and said, ‘Take all that anger and put it into something positive.’ At the time, I didn’t understand it, but now I do. That moment taught me how to channel negativity into something meaningful."
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your journey, passions, or goals for your time on the board?
"If I could make one wish, I would love to go back and relive every single moment with Soccer Without Borders. I made connections that have lasted a lifetime—friends, mentors, and memories that shaped who I am.
"My goal on the board is to ensure that every newcomer who joins SWB gets to experience the same sense of belonging and opportunity that I did. I want them to know it’s going to be okay. They can build a future here, just like I did."
Welcome back, Warshan! We’re glad you’re here!