South Burlington High School recognizes Winooski soccer team
After playing on the Winooski soccer team for three years, Ayoob Musanovic wants them to know, even while on a competing team now, he still has their back.
“I just hope that they know they’re safe with us, and they should know that those types of things aren’t normal and shouldn’t be happening,” says Musanovic.
It comes after recent allegations that racist remarks were made toward the Winooski team during a game against Enosburg Falls High School.
South Burlington High School invited the team out on the field for recognition.
Standing in solidarity during the national anthem.
”As I went there my three years of high school before the senior year, it’s very unfortunate to be hearing that type of stuff happening in this year. I would expect more,” says Musanovic.
South Burlington team captain Jonas Miller says whether or not the players feel supported or accepted affects how well they play out on the field
“It really becomes more difficult to do your job, which isn’t even really your job, you need to just enjoy the sport. That becomes impossible when things like what happened in Winooski or even a simple conflict happens,” says Miller.
South Burlington coach Adolphe Lumumba says this is not the first time racism has been displayed in the game of soccer.
“Yeah, I have experienced players in the past, I have experienced it. I’m not surprised. But I’m glad we’re, you know, letting people know now,” says Lumumba.
South Burlington athletic director Mike Jabour hopes the Vermont Principal’s Association continues to work on prohibiting displays of racism in high school sports.
“Strengthen some of their policies and procedures that they have. Continue with coach education, official education as well too. And realize that this is not this one particular incident, it happens. And we all need to work together to combat this,” says Jabour.
In the meantime, SBHS encourages other teams to take a stance against racism.