Soccer Spotlight: San Diego Soccer Players Inspire Change Through Creative Activism

So many people wish they could do more yet never do.  More and more soccer players are taking the time to make a difference and helping those less fortunate.  Perhaps it is because soccer is a global sport, or because the passion and joy of the game knows no socio-economic, cultural or religious differences.  Here is Noel and Melissa Musicha's story on how they chose to make a difference and how you can help too.

“Young people want to live lives that are marked by purpose. Their search for significance is not only wrapped up in the desire to do well for themselves; it is wrapped up in the innate belief that their lives can and should matter. We have to capture that desire and with it, create a brand, an African-inspired brand of social responsibility through which caring and helping the less privileged can become cool again. We have to inspire young people to unleash their creativity and imagination to find and redefine their dreams in serving others.” 

From the humble yet inspirational words of Malawi-born San Diegan, Noel Musicha a movement known as the Chisomo Idea was born. A former member of the Malawian National Team, Musicha was presented with the opportunity to play soccer in the United States on scholarship at San Diego Christian College. It was during his time at SDCC he met Melissa, the woman he would later call his wife. The two shared a similar vision. They believed that they could positively impact people’s lives and communicate change in impoverished countries through the International language of soccer. 

Melissa and Noel married in the small village of Kwanjana, where Noel’s grandparents lived. While there, they were exposed to the harsh reality the children in Malawi faced on a daily basis.

Many had been orphaned by Malaria and AIDS and left destitute, unable to attend school, and essentially vulnerable to preventable and treatable diseases.

Despite the unfortunate situation these children found themselves living in, they remained positive, warm and loving. It is that kindness that has earned the Malawian nation the nickname “The Warm Heart of Africa.” 

The Musichas were moved by the hope and resilience of the children in Kwanjana. They knew they couldn’t turn their backs on them and return to their comfortable lives in San Diego without doing something to help. They decided to create an afterschool program that would educate kids on health, hygiene, education, sports and recreation, as well as help them develop spiritually through biblical discipleship. Their hope was that by using the gifts and resources they were fortunate enough to have been given through their privileged lives, they could create opportunity and begin to transform and develop communities that are stifled by oppression and poverty. 

FACTS ABOUT MALAWI:

• Malawi is among the 7 poorest countries in the world
• It has a population of approximately 12.5 million
• 750,000 are orphans, a figure increasing by 65,000 a year
• Over 200 people die of AIDS each day
• Life expectancy is about 51 years of age

What began as a humble outreach program four years ago, has became a grassroots movement. In 2008, the Chisomo Idea became a registered non-profit organization. Noel and Melissa have since inspired and recruited a group of over 40 volunteers from Malawi, the United States and other parts of the World. With management teams in the United States and Malawi, the Chisomo Idea has been making strides to unleash the potential that lives within the Malawian people to creatively unlock the chains of poverty through the use of their local resources. 

“My experience in Africa has drastically impacted my mindset and heart towards others struggling in oppressed systems, “ explained Melissa Musicha. 

“I have learned to recognize the importance and wisdom behind gaining an in-depth understanding of culture to have valuable development and impact in a community. I am continuing to learn the complexity of culture and how important it is to listen before taking action.”

Chisomo is the Malawian word for Grace. The Chisomo Idea consists of three distinct projects of focus; Children’s Centers, Theater of Dreams, and Leadership Development; all of which uniquely communicate the idea of Chisomo.

Soccer in Africa as in many other countries around the world is more than a sport; it is a way of life.

Theater of Dreams is a soccer program that provides sport-specific skill development, community development, general education, and spiritual development. “Soccer was the international gateway and start of my journey into recognizing desperate situations of conflict in the world. Soccer is a connection that brings us to a common ground,” says Musicha. Through Theater of Dreams, soccer becomes a medium of social transformation. Young athletes are trained by professionals with the hope that they will become inspired to give back to their communities through service. There are over 1,000 kids involved in weekly programs run by the Chisomo Idea.  

Melissa Musicha plays for the San Diego WPSL women's soccer team, the SeaLions

Noel Misicha plays for the NPSL team, San Diego Boca FC

In addition to all the volunteer work they do through the Chisomo Idea and at their local church, Melissa and Noel Musicha also play competitive soccer at the highest level in San Diego. Melissa is a center midfielder with the San Diego SeaLions, and Noel plays for San Diego Boca FC. The Musichas epitomize what it means to be a role model.

Melissa and Noel Musicha are athletes who use their talent to make a difference and inspire change. 

“I would meet girls in Malawi that would have loved the opportunity to play in college and get an education like I had. We shared the same dream; yet different circumstances. We shared the same mirror image. My experiences were connected to the generosity of those who have given positive influence in my life. Having eyes wide open to what I have been given, inspires me to make the most of my own opportunities and use them to help others have the same chance. One of my inspirations for joining the SeaLions came from playing with the Malawian girls and recognizing that I had an opportunity to live out my Dream.”

The San Diego SeaLions are proud to help Melissa and Noel on their quest to help others lead better lives through the game of soccer.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: The SeaLions will be collecting new and gently used uniforms, cleats, shin guards and balls at their home game at Cathedral Catholic High School on Sunday, July 3rd at 2:00 p.m.

All donations will be sent to Africa to benefit a Malawian girl’s soccer team. 

Monetary donations are also welcome. Last February, Noel Musicha wrote a grant proposal to a Dutch organization for a soccer complex and sports thrift store. The organization has since responded with a pledge to send the Chisomo Idea a conditional $15,000 grant, providing they can raise another $15,000. This grant would go a long way in making a difference in the lives of 75 amazing boys and girls that are already involved in the Chisomo Idea. 

If you’d like to make a monetary donation you can do so either by bringing a check or cash to the SeaLions home game on Sunday, July 3rd, or by mailing a check made out to the Chisomo Idea to: Chisomo Idea 8838 Spectrum Center Blvd San Diego, CA 92123.  

For additional information visit Chisomoidea

RELATED ARTICLES: San Diego SeaLions News

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The NEW Women's Soccer editorial section is sponsored by the San Diego SeaLions. We deeply appreciate the SeaLions helping to offset the costs associated with this editorial coverage and want to acknowledge their tremendous support of women's soccer. 

SeaLions one of the oldest female soccer clubs in the USA. The WPSL is a sixty-plus team national women's soccer league with five conferences and is considered one of the top women's soccer leagues in the world. For more information, please email Amie Becker.