Outcasts United

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF freshman forward Richard Amon along with fellow first-year students met with soccer refugee coach Luma Mefleh, who served as inspiration for Outcasts United written by Warren St. John, at an on-campus event on Tuesday evening.
 
"In a nutshell, it was a book that talks about coming to a new place and adapting to that place as much as possible," said Amon. "The story detailed the importance of teamwork."
 
The book Outcasts United was a part of the Common Reader Program for first-year students at UCF. It details the story of an unlikely soccer team made of refugees from all over the world that ended up in a the same small, southern town. Coach Muhfleh's unexpected journey created a team that provided a home away from home and later an academy where students could succeed in their academics.
 
"It was a really good experience, and I was surprised to see the number of people there," Amon noted. "I was really thankful to be there and have the opportunity to ask questions. It really provided some guidance in helping me figure out what I want to achieve."

The Accra, Ghana, native related to the refugees in the book based on his experiences in his home country and earning a scholarship to play soccer at UCF.

"Some of (the players in the book) found it very difficult to adapt," said Amon. "(Coach Mefleh) tried to help them feel like they are welcomed. It feels great to have great teammates around me, which makes me feel very welcomed (here at UCF)."
 
He was also able to share those thoughts with his fellow students during the event.
 
"They asked me about my experience and were really happy to hear about how I came to the United States from Ghana," Amon said. "Some of them were motivated and wanted to put in the effort to help others come to the U.S."
 
Amon and the Knights are back home on Saturday against SMU. The match, which serves as SGA Night with UCF sunglasses, sunglass straps, popsicles and other items being given out to students at the UCF Soccer Complex, is set to start at 7 p.m.