Farmworkers play soccer with OPP in Norfolk

Article contentAs World Cup fever continues to grip the world, the same condition spread across the field at Wind-Del Park in Simcoe on Sunday. Article contentThere, 11 teams of international workers from farms across Norfolk County and Tillsonburg got into some serious play at the OPP vs Farm International Agricultural Workers Soccer Match and Sports Day. Article contentRecommended VideosWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.We apologize, but this video has failed

to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team. Article content“It’s a great opportunity to meet and interact with workers from other farms,” said Xavia Nelson, who has come from Jamaica to work in the apple orchards at Schuyler Farms in Simcoe. “We are one family.” Leanne Arnal (right), organizer of the OPP vs Farm International Agricultural Workers Soccer Match and Sports Day, chats on the sideline at a soccer game at Wind-Del Community Park in Windham Centre on Sunday.,

July 5. Photo by MICHELLE RUBY /Brantford ExpositorLeanne Arnal, publisher of On the Farm Magazine, which “celebrates the work, culture, lifestyle and stories of the migrant workers,” and founder of The Chill Spot, a downtown Simcoe gathering space for workers, hosted Sunday’s soccer event. The full day of activities included “farm-to-farm” soccer matches, a cricket game, tug of war, a dunk tank, and a jerk chicken eating contest. The fun culminated in a soccer game between farm staff and members of the Norfolk OPP. “They

didn’t win last year, so I think they’ve called in some OPP officers from Haldimand,” said Arnal with a laugh. Article contentThere was also a more serious purpose behind the friendly competition. “Some people don’t always feel safe interacting with police in their countries,” said Arnal. “This is a great way to break down barriers. And it brings farm owners, workers, politicians and business owners together. “Sometimes international workers are regarded as people who just ‘work out there’ — in the field. But they live

here and pay taxes and contribute to the local economy.” Up to 8,000 international workers from the West Indies, South America and Vietnam, come to work on Norfolk County farms each year, staying an average of eight months but, sometimes, longer. Nyle Smallwood (left) and Xavia Nelson, who come from Jamaica to work on farms in Norfolk County, volunteered on Sunday, July 5 at the OPP vs Farm International Agricultural Workers Soccer Match and Sports Day at Wind-Del Community Park in Windham Centre. Photo by

MICHELLE RUBY /Brantford ExpositorNelson, who helped with the asparagus crop and is now pruning apple trees, has been in Norfolk for more than a year. Much of the money he earns is sent back home to support his family, including his two young children. “It will help for their education,” said Nelson. “I didn’t have that chance. I want them to get their college degrees so they can have a better life.” Article contentNyle Smallwood has been coming from his home in Jamaica to work

at local farms for nine seasons. He has been employed at a farm operated by Chris Hedges since March. “It’s emotional and you miss your family, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do,” said Smallwood. “I’m a person who learns to adapt. I love Canada.” Bill Nightingale, owner of Nightingale Farms in Delhi, employs about 100 international workers, mainly from Jamaica, each season. He says it would be impossible to run the fruit and vegetable operation without them. “We wouldn’t eat without

these guys,” said Nightingale. “They show up every day. Canadians are way too lazy for the physical work.” Nightingale said he tries to organize tours for the workers on Sundays and plans to build a soccer field on the farm. That will help players practise for next year’s event. “It’s a lot of fun,” said Nelson. “A lot of guys were looking forward to this day.” A player makes his way across the field on at the OPP vs Farm International Agricultural Workers Soccer Match

and Sports Day on Sunday, July 5 at Wind-Del Community Park in Windham Centre. Photo by MICHELLE RUBY /Brantford Expositor Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : The Stratford Beacon Herald Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

OPP, farmworkers, international workers, Norfolk County, Tillsonburg, Jamaica, West Indies, South America, Vietnam, soccer match, Wind-Del Community Park, Windham Centre, On the Farm Magazine, The Chill Spot