'Salone FC' celebrates 25 years growing youth soccer in Philadelphia

Matteo Iadonisi Image
Monday, June 15, 2026 10:00PM
'Salone FC' celebrates 25 years growing youth soccer in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Foday Turay had a successful soccer career in West Africa. He ultimately moved to Philadelphia, where he's spent the last 25 years helping kids put their best foot forward.

His Southwest Philly soccer club, 'Salone FC,' gets its name from his home country, 'Sierra Leone.'

Since 2001, he and his community partners have coached hundreds of children. Some even hail from other parts of the world like Turay.

This year, they are not only celebrating their 25th anniversary, but also the arrival of the World Cup in Philadelphia.

Recently, some team members were able to view the FIFA World Cup trophy when it was on tour at the University of Pennsylvania's Palestra.

Turay says the entire city worked hard to bring the World Cup home.

"I was blessed enough to work with the board to put the bid in to host the World Cup here in Philadelphia," he said. "Our dream to watch the World Cup in Philadelphia is going to happen."

Watch the video above to see what all the excitement is about.

To learn more about Salone FC, visit their website.

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