I recently photographed Help USA’s 2010 Street Soccer USA tournament in Washington DC and was thrilled to capture 2 days of sports, camaraderie and some intense emotions.

You see, this is no regular street soccer tournament. Instead, the 23 teams – from 19 states in the US + 1 team from Russia – are made up of homeless men and women. With the help of some amazing, terrific mentors, each team member sets 3, 6, 9 and 12-month personal and financial goals for themselves, with the goal of being employed and off the streets, while also being accountable as a member for a soccer team.

It was an honor for me to capture the passion, the team energy, the respect, the pain of losing and the glory of winning, the details, the coaches, the fans – everything that made this event a success for all of the Street Soccer USA teams.

This is my photo essay of the event.

Attendees were encouraged to make banners to support each of the teams.

Teams had a series of warm-up stretches and rituals before they hit the field.

Let the games begin!

GOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

Happy fans. Thankful fans.

Thank you Lawrence and the team at Help USA – I truly, truly enjoyed capturing the tournament!!!