OFFICIAL SITE OF THE
DETROIT WAZA FLO
SOCCER TEAM
UN International Day of Peace - Soccer Waza School Tournament for Peace
Campaign artwork: United Nations. Local event: Pulaski School and Soccer Waza.
United Nations International Day of Peace
Pulaski School Soccer Waza Tournament for Peace
Soccer Waza in Schools launches a year-round program connecting local learning with global goals.
PRESS RELEASE • September 20, 2026
DETROIT — The United Nations International Day of Peace calls the world to strengthen peace through nonviolence and cooperation. Its 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” puts everyday local action at the heart of that mission. On Monday, September 21, Pulaski School will bring that message to life through the Soccer Waza School Tournament for Peace, planned for 315 students across 14 kindergarten-through-eighth-grade classes.
The tournament launches Soccer Waza in Schools as a year-round program connecting soccer, education, healthy holistic lifestyles and community participation. The program makes respect, inclusion and cooperation everyday practices: welcoming teammates, sharing resources, resolving disagreements and supporting one another.
One shared local mission. Soccer Waza connects the peacebuilding purpose of the UN observance with UN Football for the Goals, FIFA Football for Schools, U.S. Soccer’s Soccer at Schools in partnership with Bank of America, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer for Success. Together, their complementary aims provide a framework for peace education, accessible play, health, life skills and sustainable development. UNESCO’s Fit for Life and Quality Physical Education frameworks also inform the program’s emphasis on inclusive, values-based learning. The linked media packet explains these mission alignments.
The program connects the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with everyday action for health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, peace, justice and strong institutions, and partnerships. Healthy-food and safe-water education, responsible care of shared spaces and inclusive access connect these priorities to students’ daily lives.
At 12 noon, a bell will ring, followed by one minute of silence. Soccer, music and announcements will pause for reflection. Age-appropriate sessions are planned from 7:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. at Pulaski School, 13840 Lappin Avenue, Detroit.
From students and families to neighborhoods, Detroit, Michigan, national networks and international exchange, Soccer Waza’s “Grassroots to Global” approach brings experience back to the community through coaching and mentorship. Schools, educators and community organizations can contact Soccer Waza about participation and support for the year-round program.
Community connections and acknowledgements
Special thanks to Principal Tyra Smith-Bell, Pulaski’s teachers, staff and families, and Soccer Waza’s coaches, with special recognition for Del Carr.
Soccer Waza is working directly with Detroit City Council Member Scott Benson’s District 3 office. Organizers expect Belinda Davis to attend and recognize Cherie Barnett’s role representing Sister Cities International. Soccer Waza also thanks Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti and Detroit Public Schools Community District for their prior approval and support of the Pulaski–Waza collaboration for the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6, 2026.
Soccer Waza is registered with the U.S. school programs; Soccer for Success training is in progress. Football for the Goals approval is pending; Pulaski’s FIFA Football for Schools enrollment is unconfirmed. Other references describe mission alignment and engagement pathways, not joint sponsorship or governmental endorsement.
Media and program contact: Mario Scicluna • mario@wazafc.com • (313) 477-7006
School visits, filming and interviews require advance school authorization.
Full media packet: press release, mission connections, itinerary and event resources
Grassroots to Global Sports Diplomacy Programs
Watch the Full April Video
Watch the full April 6, 2026 Pulaski School event for the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (27:35).
Instagram Highlights
Dominic Waza Scicluna shares highlights from the April 6, 2026 school appearance at Pulaski in Detroit for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.