Sports
Ammar: The Footballer Bridging Cultures Through Community Engagement
Ammar is a 23-year-old footballer and youth activist who is making waves in his community. Born to Sudanese parents, he focuses on how football helps individuals forge their identities. On Fridays, he leads youth sessions at his local mosque, balancing prayer, community matches, and family time while watching games.
The dynamic nature of Ammar’s household reflects his diverse roots. His father is a staunch Chelsea fan, his brother supports Manchester United, his mother roots for Manchester City, and his sister cheers for Arsenal. However, Ammar has chosen to support Crystal Palace, finding inspiration in players like Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze. “When it comes to balancing both sides of my identity as a Sudanese American, I learned to see it as something beautiful instead of conflicting,” he said.
His weekends are filled with the spirit of the game, beginning with morning prayers followed by Palace matches. The excitement carries over into group chats, where debates on football ignite among friends from similar backgrounds. For Ammar, supporting Palace represents something deeper than just victories; it embodies a sense of loyalty and connection to his heritage.
“Football is one of the purest forms of joy when you’re out there on the pitch,” he noted. “In that sense, what people call ‘Black joy’ is also the joy of unity.” This belief drives Ammar as he reflects on his football journey, rooted in his trips to Sudan, where he first learned the game.
His experience playing at Brooklyn’s Parade Grounds and later teaming up with players from various ethnic backgrounds at FA Euro has strengthened his understanding of identity. Ammar acknowledges that being a black New Yorker in 2025 has helped shape who he is. “Your value isn’t tied to where you come from, but to how you treat others,” he said.
Every team he’s played for has highlighted a shared love for the sport, transcending languages and backgrounds. This rich tapestry of experiences represents not only Ammar’s story but also the community he cherishes.
