Who Are the Lost Boys From Sudan?

From the mid 1980s to the early 1990’s 35,000 children from Southern Sudan, mostly boys between the ages of 7 and 12, were orphaned by civil war. They banded together to flee to Ethiopia for refuge, walking thousands of miles with no adult supervision, and only themselves to protect each other from enemy militia, from the attacks of wild animals, and from exhaustion and starvation. Those who survived the escape from Sudan came to live in refugee camps in Kenya and in Ethiopia, estranged from their families and their country, but continuing to take care of one another with much resilience, a hope for education and the love of God.

In 1998, news of their epic journey began to reach American ears, starting a flurry of activity in the States. In the year 2000, a movement began to rescue them from the refugee camps and bring them to the States for education and opportunities. As their remarkable tale was uncovered by programs such as 60 Minutes, their story spread, and they became known as the Lost Boys of Sudan.

There are currently about 3800 Lost Boys living in various locations across the U.S. Now young adults, they continue to astound on-lookers with their feats of success, their drive for education, their resilience, and their dedication towards making the world a better place. There are currently 150 Lost Boys living in the Atlanta area. These boys are true ambassadors of peace and champions for the cause of bringing a lasting peace to Sudan. Soccer is the sport of choice in Sudan, and the Lost Boys here in the United States have formed their own soccer teams in a number of major cities, including Atlanta. There is no better way to benefit Sudan, through Soccer For Peace, than to hold an exhibition match played by the Lost Boys of Sudan.  

Lost Boys Soccer Schedule