A youth soccer game in Tucson, Arizona, has sparked outrage after a local parent claimed her 9-year-old son was called the N-word by two opposing players during a match against Spartans FC.
The allegation surfaced when Jessika Graham, a member of the Arizona Soccer Moms and Dads Facebook group, shared a detailed account of the incident.
In her post, Graham expressed heartbreak and anger that her young son experienced racism during what should have been a regular soccer game. Graham wrote,
“I’m NEVER one to post, however my son played Spartans FC today in Tucson AZ and 2 kids called my son the N word,” “This behavior is absolutely disgusting and should never be accepted let alone defended!!! I’m in shock, livid, disgusted, and hurt that my 9 year old son had to experience this at all let alone over a fu**ing soccer game!!!!”
Jessika Graham
Her words struck a nerve with parents, coaches, and referees who commented with both sympathy and frustration.
Many described similar experiences at games involving Spartans FC and other clubs, raising broader concerns about how youth soccer organizations respond to reports of racist or abusive behavior.
Several parents urged Graham to immediately file a complaint with the Arizona Soccer Association (ASA), which enforces a zero-tolerance policy on bullying and hate speech.
One commenter, Nathan Everingham, even provided ASA’s official reporting link, stressing the importance of submitting evidence such as game recordings.
Others, including parent Temitope Akinduro, shared steps they had previously taken in similar situations: notifying referees, reporting to ASA, speaking directly with opposing coaches, and contacting tournament directors.
Akinduro wrote,
I’m sorry your son went through that. My boys have gone through it as well. It unfortunately won’t be the last time.
Temitope Akinduro
Several commenters expressed skepticism about whether reporting such incidents leads to meaningful consequences.
One parent recounted filing a report after an opposing coach allegedly pushed and yelled profanities at a child and parent, only to receive no response from ASA.
Another said referees sometimes dismiss reports if they didn’t personally hear the slur during the game. One anonymous participant commented,
Unfortunately I’ve seen this happen more than once. The team I was coaching played in an RSL tournament last year and this happened to one of our kids, and when I told the referee he said since he hadn’t heard it, he couldn’t do anything about it and continued the game without even talking to the other coach or kids. I told the tournament director and they had me send an email with the report and I never heard anything back. Even after following up, they just apologized that it happened.
Anonymous Participant
Multiple parents and referees also claimed Spartans FC has a reputation for aggressive or unsportsmanlike behavior.
One commenter alleged that as a referee, they had ejected more Spartans FC coaches and players than nearly any other club due to inappropriate language or conduct.
Another parent described their recent experience playing against a Spartans team: players were “rage baiting,” fields were in poor condition, and dangerous objects like broken glass and dog waste were left on the sidelines.
While many parents called for strict accountability and systemic change, others offered word of support to Graham and her son.
One commenter, Kimberly Bailey, encouraged Graham to teach her son that the slur should not define him or diminish his confidence.
Teach your son that that word has no power over his mind and emotions. Teach him the person using that word is only showing him the lack of morals and poor character they have. They are exposing themselves. If they say it on the soccer field it’s usually because he’s doing a damn good job and they want to mess him up. Teach him to use it as motivation and to keep killing it on the field and as confirmation that he’s killing it and nothing else. This is the type of reaction they are looking for. Give them NONE. He cannot give anyone the power to control his emotions. Same for you mom. Easier said than done, but that word should have 0 power over anyone. Stay Blessed.
Kimberly Bailey
