When on the field this Albany soccer team speaks Karen — the language from their hometown in Burma. The Bishop Maginn soccer team said language is part of a deep bond that led to their success. 

“We went 10-0 and were CHVL champions this year,” said Austin Matteo, atheletic director.

The excitement was building as they prepared to play the semi final game. Coach Matteo said it all started last year when the young Burma refugees came to Bishop Maginn with the hope of starting their own soccer program.

“These kids have had to work their tails off for everything they’ve accomplished so far,” said Matteo.

All but three of the team members were born in Burma. They came to the U.S. escaping genocide and say little of what they went through.

Laura Amedio, who calls herself the team mom, has been with them since they got off the plane.

“Some of them lived in Burma and had to escape the military on their parents backs, running through the jungle to get away from being shot at,” said Amedio.

Sports teams are fairly normal for American families — some worry about injuries on the field and the hope of an athletic scholarship. For the Burmese team members born in refugee camps, autonomy was seldom. 

According to the team, the freedom to play a game they love is pure joy, creating not just a team but a community.

"They get such joy after knowing their past; it’s heartwarming to say the least,” said Matteo.

Soccer, and sports in general, is defined as one of the greatest equalizers by the team, to make the team feel a part of the country.

"It normalizes everything. It makes them feel like teenagers," said Amedio.