Good News for the Fugees

By: Daryl | September 16th, 2007

The Fugees in new kits Remember the story of the Fugees? Not the Wyclef Jean/Lauryn Hill ’90s hip-hop outfit, but the youth football team of refugees from war torn countries who were refused permission to use a playing field by residents of Clarkston, Georgia. The residents were either racist or had no love for the beautiful game, so either way I don’t like them. The Fugees story was originally published in the New York Times, then exploded all over the blogosphere before eventually being optioned as a book and movie. Well, the Fugees Under-19s kicked off the new season yesterday, and it’s all good news.

Before the game they were presented with a $100,000 donation from a certain swooshy sports company, as well as fresh new jerseys and all kinds of new equipment. The Fugees didn’t disappoint the gathered press either, running out 2-1 winners.

Seems the media attention from the New York Times article wasn’t just a quick fifteen minutes of fame and then you’re on your own. It had a fundamental impact at the club. The 120 player aged 10-18 used to be coached by Luma Mufleh and one other volunteer. Now there are 25 volunteers. There’s also been all kinds of fundraisers for the team, with one sweet little soccer fan in Texas even donating his birthday money.

The team also received permission to use a playing field from curmudgeonly Clarkstoners, but only until the end of the year The hope is that all the positive media attention will ensure the permission to use the field becomes a permanent arrangement.

Even better, some of the money the club received from the movie deal will be used to set up a college scholarship fund, so the kids get to play football and get a shot at an education.

The Fugees now have a website, located here.