"ON THE BALL"   No Drugs, No Crime . Just Soccer!
SOCCER IN THE STREETS Newsletter - SPRING 2003

"Don't settle for mediocrity. Always strive and pursue something bigger than what you have or what you are." - Kenneth "Kiki" Willis, Age 16

In this issue, read more about:

LIFE LESSONS AND SOCCER ACTION ROLL INTO NEIGHBORHOODS ABOARD THE SOCCER-BUS
Multi-media soccer education center on wheels is a big hit with the kids

PROUD GRADUATES OF POSITIVE-CHOICE SOCCER IN EAST POINT ARE READY FOR THE NEXT LEVEL
36 youth gain mastery in basic skills and are recognized for their accomplishments

SOCCER IN THE STREETS TEAMS UP WITH WOMEN'S SPORTS FOUNDATION TO BRING GOGIRLGO PROJECT TO 500 GIRLS
Three California cities, along with three southeastern cities, will implement Go Girls Go Project

STREET-CUP TOURNAMENT SERIES KICKS OFF IN ATLANTA THIS SPRING
"Street-Box" soccer facilities will serve as tournament venues for inner city youth

FOCUS ON YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT: SEE WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO ONE KID . AMAZING!!!
Kenneth "Kiki" Willis from Youngstown, Ohio is the only sophomore to be named High School All-American by NSCAA

PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE: LONG TIME COACH CONTINUES TO GENEROUSLY GIVE OF HIS TIME
In spite of obstacles, Hiram Springle helps kids realize success in Greenville, SC

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN SPRING 2003
A quick look at what's coming up in the next few months

A SPECIAL THANKS TO SOME KEY PLAYERS
Recent contributions make Soccer In The Streets possible - won't you join the team?

East Point kids having a ball at the Soccer-Bus.

Life lessons and soccer action roll into neighborhoods aboard the Soccer-Bus

The Soccer-Bus was once a Penske rental truck. But thanks to a generous donation from the Atlanta Silverbacks, local professional men's team, we were able to create the country's first mini clubhouse, classroom and media center on wheels. It functions as a mobile venue from which to deliver the Positive-Choice Soccer anti-drug, anti-crime life skills lessons, as well as a place for the kids to interact with role models, soccer celebrities and each other. The stage and cushion seats make a perfect spot from which to present weekly awards and recognition for each player's accomplishments.

Taking a break between games, Demarcus and Junior ham it up while hanging out at The Bus.

The multi-media soccer education center is a big hit with the kids. "I like this, " said Juan Bollo, "Can I help with something?" as he eagerly climbed aboard. Kids of all ages can hardly restrain themselves, as they bound up the steps to find a place on the Astroturf stage or on one of the soccer ball stools. They may also linger a few minutes at the "Wall of Fame" in hopes of finding themselves or someone they know among the many pictures and news articles found there.

When the Soccer-Bus rolls into the neighborhood, with its eye-catching graphics all over the outside, it generates excitement and motivates kids to get involved. They can't help but to at least be curious, until finally, they get swept up in the fun and excitement of the other who have already discovered the great time and useful lesson to be learned by participating in Soccer In The Streets programs.

The Soccer-Bus is becoming a celebrity in its own right. Often, teachers and youth leaders request to have the Soccer-Bus attend their activities and offer the kids a glimpse into the soccer world. Some of the events at which the Soccer-Bus has made an appearance include East Point Mexican Independence Day Festival,

Coach Robbins gives some of his players some help with their homework.

Atlanta Silverbacks home games, WUSA Founder's Cup Fan Fest, It's About Sports Family Fun Day at Centennial Olympic Park, and various tournaments. Of course you'll always find the Soccer-Bus at the regular weekly Positive-Choice Soccer sessions and occasionally at school and church activities throughout the metro Atlanta area.

One player's assessment says it all. "It's cool because it says 'No Drugs, No Crime . Just Soccer.'"

'Tae and Lala smile after receiving their rewards for the day at The Bus.	Parents and players come by Allen Road Park to check out all of the cool stuff that is found in the Soccer-Bus.

East Point "Positive-Choice Soccer" graduates show off their certificates and new uniform jerseys.

Proud graduates of Positive-Choice Soccer in East Point are ready for the next level

Using soccer as the "tool", Soccer In the Streets' Positive-ChoiceT Soccer program teaches inner city kids how to lead a more positive life away from drugs, crime and violence. Through participation in Positive-ChoiceT soccer, kids learn to chart a course for their life away from unhealthy behavior and towards a better education, career, and healthier lifestyle and personal growth. In the Positive-ChoiceT program, at-risk youth are encouraged to use soccer to examine the choices they make in life and how those choices will impact their future. The Positive-ChoiceT program ties life skills with soccer skills teaching young people to associate these fun activities with the skills necessary to be successful.

Rovalis receives his certificate.

Last fall, 36 youth gained mastery in these basic skills and were recognized for their accomplishments. Boys and girls ranging in age from 6 to 13 completed the Positive-Choice Soccer program minimum requirements. That included participation in skills sessions, completing the homework assignments and demonstrating the skills they've learned both on and off the field.

Even the players themselves recognize the value of the Positive-Choice Soccer program. "It keeps me out of trouble," stated De'Andre. "Because you're doing soccer all of the time, you don't have time to do those other things," referring to drugs and gangs and the other negative influences in their neighborhood. Another player echoed, "It keeps me thinking . 'don't do drugs.'"

After receiving their own soccer jerseys and participating in a mini soccer tournament, the kids were treated to a soccer-theme cake and punch. They were presented with certificates and some received special recognition for best attitude and most improved. The volunteers and coaches were also recognized. Families contributed to the cake fund and East Point Parks & Recreation Department provided the place and the punch for the party.

Helpful parents and adult volunteers are recognized for their contribution to the program.

You go girl! Nikole knows she's good.

Soccer In The Streets teams up with Women's Sports Foundation to bring GoGirlGo Project to 500 girls

Three California cities, along with three southeastern U.S. cities, will implement the GoGirlGo Project. The goal of the GoGirlGo Project is to use sport as an educational intervention and social asset in order to enhance the wellness of girls as they navigate between childhood and early womanhood. Because Soccer In The Streets uses soccer to enhance the lives of children from at-risk, low income neighborhoods, a partnership with the Women's Sports Foundation was a logical step in focusing special attention on the needs of girls in SoccerStreets programs.

A grant from the Women's Sports Foundation is being used in conjunction with the GoGirlGo Project education curriculum and the Soccer In The Streets program in Atlanta, GA; San Francisco, San Diego, CA; Greenville, SC and Tuskegee, AL. Girls will be provided with training and equipment throughout the 10-week program. "We are excited about the opportunity to support your girls' sports program," said Donna Lopiano, Executive Director of the Women's Sports Foundation, in the recent grant award announcement.

Chantel shows off her skills and ball control.

While learning basic soccer skills, the girls will also have the opportunity to learn and be inspired by the true stories from nationally recognized elite female athletes who have faced important decisions in their lives and used their involvement with sports to face such challenges. In addition, the Women's Sports Foundation has partnered with the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) in order to involve WUSA players in the GoGirlGo Project. These top-level players, including the Atlanta Beat, the San Diego Spirit and the Bay Area Cyberrays, will contribute their time and expertise to educate girls about health-risk behaviors and life lessons such as body image, bullying, diversity, smoking, drugs and stress.

Implementation will begin in concert with spring program activities in March and go throughout the spring and summer.

Founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, the Women's Sports Foundation is a charitable educational organization dedicated to ensuring equal access to participation and leadership opportunities for all girls and women in sports and fitness. More information may be found at their web site, www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.

Girls in Sandy Springs listen intently to the day's lesson.

Street-Cup Tournament series kicks off in Atlanta this spring

"Street-Box" soccer facilities -- modified soccer fields, roughly the size of a tennis court, complete with an all-weather playing surface, permanent goals and durable waist-high plastic perimeter boards will serve as tournament venues for inner city youth. These facilities are designed for use in urban areas and give kids who live in these communities a place of their own to play soccer. The "Street-Cup" will feature small-sided teams in three age groups, which will compete in the day-long event. Participation is free to youth ages 6 to 14. All participants will receive a t-shirt and awards will be given for age group champions and the teams with the best sportsmanship.

The purpose of the Street-Cup Tournaments is to:

• Provide an outlet for interaction and competition with other teams
• Reward the efforts of Positive-Choice Soccer program graduates by providing a fun activity in which they can demonstrate reinforce their newly acquired skills
• Further each graduates' development by giving them the next challenge in a progressive program
• Generate visibility and exposure for Street-Box facilities and the Positive-Choice Soccer program

The first tournament is March 22, from 9:00 a.m. until dusk in East Point. The second tournament is April 26, from 9:00 a.m. until dusk in Sandy Springs. It is anticipated that well over 100 children will participate in each tournament.

The players are eagerly awaiting the competition. "We're ready to play!" said Demetrius. Another offered his prediction: "We'll do well - we'll win." However, one player had a confession. "If my grades are better, I'll get to play," admitted Darnell.

Sponsorships for awards, t-shirts, food and equipment are needed, as are volunteers for each day.

Focus on Youth Achievement: See what can happen to one kid . amazing!!!

As a youngster, Kiki's Soccer In The Streets coach gave him several soccer balls a year because he wore them out from practicing.

Kenneth "Kiki" Willis from Youngstown, Ohio is a true life Soccer In The Streets success story and the only sophomore to be named High School All-American by NSCAA. Even as a 7 year old, he had an uncanny knack for controlling the ball. Today, as a 16 year old, he combines quickness, intelligence and an abundance of athletic ability, and is going gangbusters.

Described by his high school coach as "the most coachable player I've ever seen", Kiki was instrumental in bringing home an Ohio state high school championship - the first for the school, Cardinal Mooney High School, and the first soccer championship for any high school in Youngstown.

Kiki's talent has afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively, playing abroad for his club and with the Olympic Development Program teams from the Mid-west region. He has even had exposure to some of the most prestigious clubs in Europe. He tells that, "My best soccer experience happened to me this past summer in Europe. I was invited to train and play with Roda JC, a Professional club out of Kerkrade, Holland. It was such a good experience because I was able to experience what other cultures are like, and gain a sense of independence. It was just more of being able to have fun, and communicate with the team just like I could with any of my American team-mates."

When asked how Soccer has helped him, he stated, "Soccer has helped me out by helping me gain a sense of knowledge of how things can revolve around YOU! Soccer has helped me gain exposure throughout the United

Soccer In The Streets' "Youngstown Express": Even in the early years, Kiki played a key role in the success of his team.

States, and in some parts of Europe. I had received offers from a few Pro-Teams such as AC Milan, Italy, and Roda JC, Holland. So this is what soccer can do for you if you're really into it, and you think in your own mind that you can someday succeed in playing it." When asked about his humble beginnings, Kiki told about his Soccer In The Streets experience. "I remember everything about my Soccer In The Streets experience, from us never winning a game, our team scoring our very first goal, etc.... Soccer In The Streets was the best. And I used to love watching Coach Harvey kick the soccer ball. That had to be the funniest thing in the world, even though his teachings of starting me off on the right foot, has helped me to get where I am today, and that's greatly appreciated. If it wasn't for Soccer In The Streets, I wouldn't have had a clue soccer ever existed."

For everyone out there in the "Soccer World," Kiki's advice is "don't settle for mediocrity. Always strive and pursue something bigger than what you have or what you are." He says that, "It's only up to you to achieve that. This is my motto that I live up to in life . 'An athlete is a normal person with the gift of an undying passion to be the best and achieve greatness!' That's something everyone should think about."

His goals in life are to move to Europe after High School and play Professional Soccer for AC Milan, and if that doesn't work out, come back and go to college and become a Sports Therapist or Doctor. He hopes that this article has an effect on everyone, so let Kiki's example be an inspiration to all Soccer In The Streets kids.

People Making a Difference: Long time coach continues to generously give of his time

Coach Springle with one of his many championship teams.

In spite of obstacles, Hiram Springle helps kids realize success in Greenville, SC. Hiram has unselfishly and tirelessly given of his time and personal resources to make a difference in the lives of kids his community.

He began his involvement with soccer in the early 80's when his son asked, "Daddy, will you sign me up for soccer?" While Hiram's dream was to raise a football superstar, it turned out that his son had a knack for football of another sort.

When his son was not selected for an elite team in the largest club in town, Hiram told his son, "You will never have to worry about being cut from another soccer team." The next day, he began to assemble the team. The first stop was a local housing project and there he began picking up kids to play. As he tells it, "In the fall season of 1984 we did not win a game. In the spring season of 1985 we did not lose a game until the playoffs."

Like with most programs of this nature, it is not without its challenges. "Our greatest challenge is funding, volunteers and parental support," said Coach Springle. "[But] my greatest reward is seeing the kids progress and grow socially, academically and athlethically." Among those youth who have excelled is the U16 girls team that won the South Carolina State Championship in 2002. Several of those players have gone on to Olympic Development Program trials.

Hiram relates a story about one player in particular. "While working with a community center I was introduced to a kid named Rashard Fleming. He came from a low-income, single parent household, but many of the labels attached to kids from this type environment did not apply. Whenever I showed up to pick him up for practice or a game he was always ready to go. His love for the game was apparent from the beginning. He played for us until his Mom remarried and they moved away. We continued to stay in touch. His Mom call me when he graduated last year and told me that he was attending College in Dubuque, Iowa on a soccer scholarship."

Aside from more funding and many more volunteers, Coach Springle, who volunteers a considerable amount of time in spite of having a "real job", would love more time to devote to the development of the program. His advice to others: "Have patience - programs like this don't succeed over night. You need commitment - you cannot be transient in a kid's life and have any success with him or her. Be prepared to sacrifice - personal sacrifices of time, including family time, resources (money, vehicles, supplies, etc.) And have a desire - the desire to make a positive difference in a child's life that will impact society as a whole."

What's Happening in Spring 2003

A quick look at what's coming up in the next few months

• Street-Cup Tournament - East Point "Street-Box" - March 22
• Street-Cup Tournament - Sandy Springs "Street-Box" - April 26
• Allen Road "Positive-Choice" Soccer Graduation - May
• Parklane Elementary School Field Days - May 14-15
• Bethune Elementary School Field Day - May 16
• GoGirlGo Project - Atlanta metro sites - April through August

A special thanks to some key players

Recent contributions make Soccer In The Streets possible - won't you join the team?

Atlanta Silverbacks - Boris Jerkunica
Women's Sports Foundation
Community Foundation
Fulton County
- Commissioner Tom Lowe
- Ralph Daniels
- Parks & Recreation / John Culbreath
Athens Housing Authority
City of East Point
- Mayor Patsy Jo Hilliard
- Weed & Seed / Capt. Patricia Boyce, Everlean Merritt, Agnes Beltran
Miracle Day
- CIBC / Paul Rogers
- John Wallace-Openheimer
NSCAA Foundation - Jim Sheldon
Sheffield Hale
David Greene
Andy Straker
Bay Area Youth Soccer Legacy
AYSO/CYSA
Phil Hill

"ON THE BALL" is the quarterly newsletter of Soccer In The Streets, an Atlanta based nationwide non-profit organization that develops soccer, educational and life-skills programs for "at-risk" kids in urban communities.

Copyright 2003 by Soccer In The Streets, Inc.  All rights reserved.  This message may be forwarded to individuals if this trailer is included, but may *not* be reposted publicly or reprinted in any form without explicit permission.

Soccer In The Streets, Inc.
2323 Perimeter Park Drive NE
Atlanta , GA   30341

Phone:  678.993.2113
FAX:  770.452.1946
Email:  info@soccerstreets.org
Website:  www.soccerstreets.org