Star striker Villa, CM Moya condemn Trump decision to strip soccer, English classes from immigrant kids

World Cup Champion David Villa (right) and Councilmember Francisco Moya denounced the Trump Administration’s decision to end soccer and English classes for unaccompanied minors in federal detention. Photo via Borough Hall

By David Brand

Legendary Spain striker David Villa joined Queens Councilmember Francisco Moya and other immigrants’ right activists in condemning the Trump administration’s decision to end English classes, soccer and legal services for unaccompanied minors in federal detention Thursday.

Villa, the Spanish National Team’s all-time leading scorer, founded DV7 Soccer Academy for kids in New York City.

”I’ve been fortunate that football has taken me around the world,” said Villa, who starred for various clubs, including NYCFC, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. “In every city and in every country I’ve seen how the game transforms lives. It breaks down barriers, reveals character and teaches us how to win and lose with dignity. There is no greater service than to give those gifts to children, to teach and inspire them.”

Moya, a devoted soccer fan who has partnered with Villa on other initiatives, condemned the Trump administration’s action as  “cruelty for the sake of cruelty.”

“I don’t know if the country will remember the Trump presidency for its divisiveness, corruption or incompetence, but I’ll remember it for its cruelty,” Moya said. “These kids didn’t come here because things were fine back home. Nobody seeks asylum on a winning streak. They were desperate and in need of the humanity this country has prided itself on offering.”

“Some may argue that soccer is a waste of money,” Council Member Moya said. “They are wrong,” he continued. “There may be nothing so universally unifying as soccer. These kids might not have hugged their parent’s in weeks, they might lie awake at night crying, they might be scared and confused about what comes next. But when they get a chance to chase a ball around the pitch, they get to feel at home.”

 Moya advocated for the the City Council to allocate $150,000 to the Hispanic Federation in 2018 fund soccer program for unaccompanied children's soccer program, which will end in June.

“Some may argue that soccer is a waste of money,” he said “They are wrong. There may be nothing so universally unifying as soccer. These kids might not have hugged their parent’s in weeks, they might lie awake at night crying, they might be scared and confused about what comes next. But when they get a chance to chase a ball around the pitch, they get to feel at home.”