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SOCCER IN THE STREETS Newsletter -
SPRING 2004
"I know I've done the right thing because I feel it in my heart." - Leslie Aguero, Age 10
In this issue, read more about:
FOLLOW THE LEADER - SOCCER IN THE STREETS CONTINUES TO BE URBAN SOCCER PROGRAM OF CHOICE
Kids are learning and growing through comprehensive approach that serves as a model for inner cities worldwide.
750 GIRLS TO BE REACHED THROUGH GOGIRLGO PROJECT IN 2004
7 cities will implement the life skills program for girls thanks to grant from the Women's Sports Foundation.
HOME-GROWN TALENT SELECTED TO LEAD SOCCERSTREETS INTO NEW PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT
"Jill-of-all-trades" blends years of experience with passion for Soccer In The Streets' cause.
FOCUS ON YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT: NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ GIRLS HEADING FOR THE BIG TIME IN FLORIDA Humble beginnings in Soccer In The Streets program leads to nationally recognized tournament.
ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD WITH SOCCER IN THE STREETS
Make a date with a Soccer In The Streets program near you.
LOCAL THEATRE LENDS ITS STAGE AND TALENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOCCER IN THE STREETS
Street's chairman Phil Hill is part of comedic troupe to perform in support of the kids.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO SOME KEY PLAYERS: FUNDERS COME UP BIG IN SUPPORT OF SOCCERSTREETS PROGRAMS
Key organizations and companies keep kids kicking through their generous support.
Coaches and role models teach important skills on the field and off. |
FOLLOW THE LEADER - SOCCER IN THE STREETS CONTINUES TO BE URBAN SOCCER PROGRAM OF CHOICE Kids are learning and growing through comprehensive approach that serves as a model for inner cities worldwide. Successful strategies and steps for creating the program are part of the Urban Soccer Model as developed by Soccer In The Streets.
Streetfootballworld , a project of the Youth Football Foundation, has invited Soccer In The Streets to participate in worldwide meeting in Berlin, Germany in April 2004. In this historic meeting of core partners in a global network, there will be an opportunity to create binding structures, work on next steps regarding the network activities as well as a great chance to present best practices to other partners.
Other organizations representing their respective regions/nations are Diambars, Senegal ( France , UK ); Defensores del Chaco, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Street League, London, England; Golombiao, Bogota, Colombia; Mathare YSA, Nairobi, Kenya; Peres Center for Peace, Tel Aviv, Israel .
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Streetfootballworld is a facilitating and coordinating body for the world of grassroots football (soccer) on a global scale, based on the principles of inclusiveness and diversity. streetfootballworld recognizes the role of grassroots soccer in society and supports the integral development of this sport, as a complement to association football (club and professional soccer). Youth Football Foundation was founded in December 2000 by a group of former soccer world champions and specialists in sports medicine and psychology. The organization aims to support research projects on soccer and to further new talents. By the means of soccer it intends to enrich the lives of many young people - beyond social and economical borders.
In light of the state of soccer in the United States, comparing the Soccer In The Streets model with those throughout the rest of the world should prove to be interesting and educational. Primarily played in America's suburbs by middle class children, soccer is often thought of as an activity for the privileged elite and many inner city kids feel excluded from being able to play.
Kids show skills and enthusiasm for a sport once unfamiliar to them. |
The answer to building a soccer culture in the inner cities of the U.S. is to create an environment where the sport grows organically, by itself and with minimal outside management. The idea is to make soccer a street sport, as it is elsewhere in the world and have it played much like pick-up basketball. Unlike suburban middle class America, where soccer is thriving, the inner cities need a model that takes into account a different situation where barriers such as scarce economic means, not enough facilities, lack of exposure to different sports, virtually no transportation, little volunteer or paid adult supervision exist.
The benefits of using soccer as a bridge for inner city kids to a better way of life are proven. Soccer provides positive competition, shows teamwork, facilitates a positive interaction with community organizations, promotes better health, provides a vehicle for mentoring, and opens a route to potential educational scholarships and employment opportunities.
Some measurable outcomes that have been noted through implementation of SoccerStreets programs include:
- Peer conflict among the kids decreased by 81 % . At the outset, three out of five youth had difficulty interacting with their peers without conflict, while only 1 in 8 exhibited the same tendencies at the end of the 18-week implementation.
- Incidents of non-compliance and defiance towards adults experienced a 75% decline. Less than one in seven kids exhibited a disregard for the rules and the coaches implementing them by the end of the program.
- A growth of 55% was accounted for in teamwork. One out of three kids learned that helping others not only encourages someone to keep trying, it also makes the entire team a little stronger.
Soccer In The Streets' experience shows that soccer is the perfect vehicle to expose kids to different opportunities and awaken their minds to the many possibilities that life will give through hard work, dedication and self-discipline. More than ever there is the need to establish these roots deeper into urban communities and give the kids who live in these communities a better chance to excel in life.
750 girls to be reached through gogirlgo project in 2004
7 cities will implement the life skills program for girls, thanks to grant from the Women's Sports Foundation.
T'Keyah shows confidence on the field . . . |
Over 750 girls from at-risk communities are again able to participate in the GoGirlGo! Project, which was implemented in Soccer In The Streets cities in 2003.
Soccer In The Streets will be using the curriculum materials of the GoGirlGo! Project, a unique program that educates girls about health risk behaviors and life lessons. The grant program awards organizations that provide opportunities for girls in areas under-served by sports programs and girls in economically disadvantaged areas. This will be the second year for Soccer In The Streets to be a participant in this program.
The cities who are implementing the program include Hayward, San Francisco and San Diego, CA; Greenville, SC; Tuskegee, AL; Atlanta and Savannah, GA. The grant funds will be used to provide uniforms, equipment and staffing.
. . . and takes some pointers on the field. |
The goal of the GoGirlGo Project - a program developed and funded by the Women's Sports Foundation - is to use sport to enhance the wellness of girls as they navigate between childhood and early womanhood. 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.
Pat Hodges, the coordinator for the GoGirlGo project in Hayward elementary schools reports, "The response is overwhelming. We've just had our first set of games this past weekend. Everything went great. The teams that got the uniforms are very excited, and they look great."
home-grown talent selected to lead soccerstreets into new phase of development
"Jill-of-all-trades" blends years of experience with passion for Soccer In The Streets' cause.
The "Coaches Robbins" on the job. |
Nurturing home-grown talent pays off as Jill Robbins is named Executive Director for Soccer In The Streets. Starting as a volunteer program director over 12 years ago, Robbins has tirelessly worked for the benefit of at-risk urban kids everywhere. Recent accomplishments, such as effective fund raising, program management and organizational development, have demonstrated the ability to effectively lead the organization to the next level. That combined with an unparalleled passion for the cause, made Ms. Robbins the logical choice.
Robbins has been coaching youth soccer for 20 years, also serving as an administrator and board member in various clubs and leagues, including the Olympic Development Program. She holds a USSF "D" license, NSCAA State Diploma, and Grade 8 Referee certification. She earned a bachelor of business administration from the University of Texas . She can be reached at 678.993.2113 or via email at jill@soccerstreets.org .
focus on youth achievement: new brunswick, nj girls heading for the big time in florida
Humble beginnings in Soccer In The Streets program leads to nationally recognized tournament.
The New Brunswick U15 girls team - The Galaxy - is headed to Florida for spring break for some fun and games. Soccer games, that is. They are competing in Disney's Spring Holiday Soccer Festival VI at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.
The team, which has been together for 7 years, plays in the Mid New Jersey League under the Player Development Academy banner as part of the Urban Academy . No strangers to competition, they won the Barefoot Tournament in Ocean City, NJ last year.
The girls started in the Soccer In The Streets program in New Brunswick, under the guidance of program director, Mike Blackwell. Mike describes his team as the United Nations of soccer, with girls from Europe, India, Mexico and Africa. "We have a lot of immigrants - all nationalities are represented. New Brunswick is a very transient community so it's great to see immigrants involved and being able to play at a higher level. " Without the support of the soccer community, many of these kids couldn't afford to participate in club soccer.
Two players were featured in a PBS series called "In The Mix" several years ago. The message of the episode was "Smoke Free Kids" and it also featured players from the US Women's National soccer team. Mike reports that his kids are still earning straight A's and B's and doing well in school, staying drug free and smoke free.
The greatest challenge had been finding the funding for tournaments and doing fundraising to pay for travel. Thanks to help from the Housing Authority, and sponsorships from the Player Development Academy, Urban Development Academy, NIKE, Gatorade and trainers from Rutgers and Seton Hall, the teams have been able to compete and be successful. The high school team in New Brunswick been to the state tournament for the last three years
What is the greatest reward? "The social values of all the girls appreciating the different cultures . . . The girls always mixed. I've also enjoyed studying them and learning from them and watching how they learn from each other," comments Blackwell. "I would love to see them continue this relationship on into high school."
A point of pride for Blackwell has to be the great accomplishments of the community with respect to promoting and supporting the Soccer In The Streets kids. They now can tout a full fledged development program, with "A" license college coaches, a new sports complex right in the center of the city, an indoor facility and tremendous ongoing support from the city.
Look for great things to come from New Brunswick in the future. By the way, girls, be sure to give Mickey our regards.
aCroSS the country and around the world with Soccer In The Streets
Make a date with a Soccer In The Streets program near you.
Soccer In The Streets is not just about Atlanta . ask any of the affiliates across the country and around the world. Where the need exists, we go to serve those communities.
Hayward , CA . Also one of the Mervyn's Girls Soccer League cities, the program has spread to every elementary school in Hayward . Coordinated by Pat Hodges from the Hayward Unified School District , she is currently implementing the GoGirlGo Project for over 150 girls, with many more awaiting to be a part of the program.
If you'd like to get involved, please give Pat a call. For more information, please contact Pat Hodges at (619) 247-5942. Or email her at PHodges06@aol.com
Greenville , SC . Unity Sports, the Soccer In The Streets affiliate in Greenville , presented their annual Martin Luther King Jr. "Soccer Fun Day Celebration" earlier this year. This was the 10 th year for the event. More than 100 children participated in festivities, which included a program to honor Dr. King's legacy, breakfast and outside games, clinics and activities.
This summer, the 20 th Anniversary of urban soccer in Greenville will be observed with special events and activities. Community partners are encouraged to get involved by contacting Hiram Springle at hspringl@philliswheatley.org .
Tuskegee, AL . Tuskegee Futbol Youth Internationale Inc. checks in from their rural Alabama community. Program director, Dingani Nkuchwayo reports that league play has begun and teams are benefiting from interaction with the Montgomery YMCA. Progress is also being made on a home field for the kids in Tuskegee and volunteers from the local community are stepping up. If anyone is interested in helping provide resources for this hardworking group, the Tuskegee organization may be reached through tfyii05@yahoo.com .
New Brunswick , NJ . Long time Soccer In The Streets stalwart, Mike Blackwell is setting the pace for urban programs nationwide. Not only will New Brunswick open a brand new sports complex, complete with soccer fields, next month. Their kids are really going places.
Through a unique partnership with the Player Development Academy , a youth soccer club which was just recently selected as one of the top clubs in the U.S. by Soccer America magazine, PDA Urban Academy was created in the spring of 1999. As the Recreation Director of the City of New Brunswick , Mike has been able to use this program to provide children in New Brunswick the opportunity to enjoy the benefits that the PDA has to offer. The children learn and develop soccer skills, and compete in organized soccer leagues, with all fees underwritten by the PDA. Youth players from the Soccer in the Streets and Ace Program in New Brunswick were selected to participate on the first two teams of U11 boys and U11 girls. Since 1999, the PDA Urban Academy has added six more teams, for a total of 124 children, now competing on eight teams in the Mid-New Jersey Youth Soccer League.
With the establishment of the " Urban Academy " the PDA has opened the doors to the surrounding urban areas (starting with New Brunswick ) to enable children within these communities to enjoy the benefits the PDA has to offer. Players from 9 to 14 years of age are trained, with the club underwriting all associated fees, with the immediate objective of making a difference in these children's lives, and ultimately providing them the opportunity to train and compete at a higher level with the PDA Soccer Club teams.
The goals of the Urban Academy are: Encourage the development of soccer to underprivileged youth. Provide an opportunity for youth to participate in organized soccer leagues and competitions (U9 through U14). Instruct, train, and educate players using the best coaches from the area. Encourage graduates of the Urban Academy to continue competitive play with the PDA Soccer Club teams.
Currently there are four players from the Urban Academy now participating on the regional level.
Help support a great program by contacting Mike Blackwell at mblack942@aol.com or by calling (732) 221-9727.
Sandy Springs and East Point , GA ( Atlanta metro) . the dates for this year's Street-Cup tournaments have been set. Sandy Springs " Street-Box " at Allen Road Park will play host on May 22 and August 21. The East Point Street-Cups at the East Washington Street-Box @ Charles A. Green Recreation Center will be held on June 5 and August 14. The events are free, but team acceptance is limited. Sponsors and volunteers are also needed. Please call 678.993.2113 for more information.
local theatre lends its stage and talent fo the benefit of soccer in the streets
Soccer In The Streets will be taking center stage ... literally ... during a benefit performance at the Whole World Theatre in downtown Atlanta. The theatre and its actors are donating their time and talents for the benefit of the program. Street's chairman Phil Hill is part of comedic troupe to perform in support of the kids.
The event will kick off with a private screening of the documentary short featuring Soccer In The Streets. Kids and coaches from the program will also be on hand.
Rounding out the evening will be the best in improv comedy, with a possible appearance by "Mr. Funny" himself. Tickets are $100 per person or $150 per couple. Contributions are tax deductible.
For more information or to get your tickets NOW (seats are VERY limited!), please call 678.993.2113.
A special thanks to some key players: funders come up big in support of soccerstreets programs
Key organizations and companies keep kids kicking through their generous support.
Key organizations and companies keep kids kicking through their generous support. We would like to express a special THANK YOU to the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation, Northyards Business Park Community Fund, Women's  Sports Foundation and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Programs such as Soccer In The Streets would not exist if it were not for the financial contribution from entities that believe in our impact on a community . . . THANKS AGAIN!!
 "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 2004 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
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