I spent many years playing soccer in Arlington Virginia, not far from Washington DC, mainly with groups of Latinos. The soccer field was always crowded yet well organized without the need for a referee. Everyone knew the simple but effective few rules; one goal or 10 minutes play and no hard tackling - it was just for fun and fitness. If there were no goals after ten minutes, we would flip a coin to decide the winner. Everyone knew and accepted the rules with good grace and humor.

One day while approaching the field, I heard Arabic voices.. My heart rejoiced! It would be the first time since I started playing here three years ago that ...