Does your country have a saying/slogan?
Brazil zil zil zil.
Can you tell us about your team’s make-up? How did your team come together?
The team was gathering players who train and play regularly in the Philadelphia area. Most of the players knew each other and were friends already. Some of our players have played professionally in Brazil. Our team formed when Mayor Kenney attended Brazil’s flag raising ceremony at City Hall and asked Adenilson Dos Santos, coach and executive director of Project Capoeira, to organize a Brazilian team. Mayor Kenney indicated a World Cup-style tournament needs Brazil represented.
How do you think soccer in general (and the Unity Cup in particular) promotes inclusivity?
We believe the Unity Cup helps celebrate the rich cultural diversity in the city of Philadelphia. The Unity Cup brings people together for healthy activities, like playing and watching soccer.
What places (such as restaurants or cultural centers) or groups in Philadelphia would you recommend to someone if they wanted to learn more about the culture of the country your team represents?
We recommend visiting the local restaurants and shops that are located in Northeast Philadelphia in the Brazilian neighborhood. A lot of them can be found on Castor Avenue. It is a great way to taste Brazilian cuisine at a reasonable price.
Also, get involved with Project Capoeira, a 502(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes intercultural community growth around Philadelphia through artistic performances and classes for the public and social outreach for Brazilians. We build confidence and positive citizenship among youth and adults and preserve and share Capoeira, a Brazilian art.
And, attend our free festival, Brazilian Day Philadelphia, as part of the PECO’s Multicultural Series at Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. Organized by Project Capoeira, the mission of Brazilian Day Philadelphia is to celebrate, promote, and share Brazilian arts and culture in Greater Philadelphia while fostering intercultural exchange and uniting the Brazilian community.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your team’s country?
Brazil is much more than samba or soccer. There is such a wide variety of traditions, like capoeira, music, environments, and much more from the large country of Brazil.