The World Came to South Jersey: My Visit with Haiti’s World Cup Team
Hey Folks,
This week I had the chance to spend time with the Haiti National Team at Stockton University, and I can tell you firsthand that what happened in Galloway was bigger than soccer. It was one of those moments that reminds you just how special South Jersey can be when the world comes to town.
As Haiti prepares for its first FIFA World Cup appearance in more than 50 years, the team has chosen South Jersey as its home base, training at Stockton University and staying right here in Atlantic City. Think about that for a minute. A World Cup team is calling our backyard home.
Future stars meet international stars. One of the best parts of the day was seeing local youth players get the opportunity to interact with a World Cup team right here in South Jersey.
One of the things I’ve always loved about sports is the way they bring people together. At Stockton’s Community Day, I watched local families, soccer supporters, community leaders, and young athletes gather to welcome Haiti’s national team as they prepare for the biggest tournament in the world.
The smiles on the faces of those kids said it all. For many of them, this wasn’t something they were watching on television. They were standing just a few feet away from players representing an entire nation on the world’s biggest stage.
And if you know me, you know I wasn’t going to miss the chance to spend some time talking with the players and taking in the atmosphere.
Spending time with members of the Haiti National Team during their stay in South Jersey.
What impressed me most was the pride. Every player, coach, and supporter understands what this opportunity means. Haiti’s return to the World Cup is more than a soccer story. It’s a story of perseverance, national pride, and a dream that generations of fans have waited decades to see realized.
It’s also a great story for Atlantic City.
The team is staying at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel while training at Stockton. Local businesses have stepped up to welcome the team, including Atlantic City’s Haitian-owned restaurant community, which has helped provide a taste of home during their stay.
One thing that really stood out to me was how many organizations came together to make this happen. From Stockton University to our hospitality partners and tourism leaders, this was another example of South Jersey stepping onto the international stage.
With World Cup matches taking place just up the road in Philadelphia, Atlantic City is uniquely positioned as a destination for fans looking to stay, play, dine, and experience everything our region has to offer. Organizations like Visit Atlantic City have been actively showcasing our destination to a global audience, highlighting the hotels, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, and experiences that make Atlantic City a natural home base for visitors coming to the region during the World Cup.
I’ve always believed Atlantic City can be a lot more than people give it credit for. This week proved it again. A World Cup team is training here. International media are paying attention. Local kids are being inspired. Visitors are staying in our hotels and experiencing our community. That’s a win for Stockton University, a win for Atlantic City, and a win for South Jersey.
I also learned about one of the program’s local soccer connections. Former Ocean City Nor’easters standout Markhus “Duke” Lacroix has represented Haiti internationally, another reminder that South Jersey’s soccer roots run deeper than many people realize.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Atlantic City is more than casinos, beaches, and boardwalks. We are becoming a destination for sports, entertainment, culture, and international events. When a World Cup team chooses South Jersey as its training home, that’s something every resident should take pride in.
For a few hours this week, the world came to Stockton University. The players inspired local kids, the community showed its support, and South Jersey proved once again that we know how to welcome visitors from around the globe.
⚽ Why This Matters
- Haiti is making its first FIFA World Cup appearance in more than 50 years.
- Stockton University is serving as the team’s training base.
- The team is staying in Atlantic City during the tournament.
- Local youth soccer players had the opportunity to interact with a World Cup team.
- Visit Atlantic City is helping position the destination as a gateway for World Cup visitors.
- Atlantic City continues to build its reputation as a destination for major sporting events.
Moments like these are exactly why I love sharing stories about our region. Sometimes the biggest events in the world happen right in our own backyard.
🚋 What’s Coming Up
- AC Mike’s Famous Boardwalk Tram Tours – Experience Atlantic City’s history, stories, landmarks, and hidden gems from the comfort of the iconic Boardwalk tram. If you haven’t taken the tour yet, put it on your summer bucket list. Reserve Your Seat Here
Live-Work-Play-AC!
See you on the 48
AC Mike
Loved the soccer story. Great information