On most Saturdays this summer, a group of Guild supporters could be found on the sidelines of a soccer field. Direct support staff warmed up on the field in their yellow Guild Futbol Club jerseys as individuals from youth and adult residences and staff from across programs gathered to cheer them.
The Heroes Soccer League brings together direct support professionals across Massachusetts to compete in a summer tournament. The league prioritizes teamwork, friendly competition, and an inclusive environment for players and fans. It has been a great way for staff from different programs within The Guild and from the other organizations to connect.
James Tuhumwire, overnight staff in The Guild’s youth residential program, says he joined because of the “physicality, exercising, and team bonding. Plus getting all staff and the individuals engaged in our community activities.” He has been playing soccer his whole life and enjoys getting to know staff on the team from other houses at The Guild.
The league was started by Kingsley Brown at TILL, Inc. who was inspired to invite human services agencies to compete after hosting an international soccer game for staff in the fall of 2023. TILL, The Guild, and the Northeast Arc have competed together for the past three seasons and they all hope to see more human services agencies join next year.
"We are meeting other staff. Now we know a lot of people from the other agencies that we didn't know before, thanks to this league. Our individuals come in and support us and they cheer. It's fun, it's lovely," said Mohamed, head coach of the Northeast SHArcs team. "Hopefully other agencies are gonna join us, eventually, so we can expand this to the whole state. That's the goal!"
The 2026 season kicked off with a round robin tournament in May. The teams then played each other three times in the group stage through July. After a 2-6 loss to TILL during the group stage, James said the game was tough, but he was happy with how the team had improved from previous games.
Heading into the final games, The Guild was in second place. They advanced past the Northeast SHArcs in the semi-final on July 25th and took home the trophy after an exciting, high-energy championship game. They turned the scoreboard around against the TILL Vipers at the Gillette Stadium practice field, winning 6-1 in the final game of the season on August 1st.
“Thank you for all the fans who came through,” James said to individuals, staff, and community members. “We are very thankful for your support.”