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SOCCER IN THE STREETS Newsletter -
SUMMER 2004
"Respect yourself, respect the ball and respect each other." - Jairo Barajas, Age 12
In this issue, read more about:
STREET FOOTBALL WORLD CONFERENCE: WORLD'S MOST POPULAR SPORT CONTINUES TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD
Soccer in the Streets among gathering representing many countries where people's lives are changed for the better through the sport of soccer
FOCUS ON YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT: IT'S NOT JUST A NICE THING TO DO - THESE KIDS CAN ACTUALLY PLAY SOCCER
Soccer In The Streets graduates play a big part in state U12 championship and "3v3" team advancing to regional competition
HELP WANTED: SOCCER IN THE STREETS IS GROWING TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR SUCCESSFUL URBAN SOCCER PROGRAMS
If you think you have what it takes to be a part of the Soccer In The Streets team, we need you!
STREET CUP TOURNAMENTS PROVIDES COST EFFECTIVE MODEL THAT OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERACTION AND COMPETITION The formula has proven successful - kids get along, play hard and have fun!
ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD WITH SOCCER IN THE STREETS
Make a date with a Soccer In The Streets program near you
GOGIRLGO PROGRAM CONCLUDES SECOND SUCCESSFUL RUN WITH SOCCERSTREETS AND LOOKS TO TARGET 1 MILLION INACTIVE GIRLS
The partnership with Women's Sports Foundation continues to benefit less advantaged girls in Soccer In The Streets communities
A SPECIAL THANKS TO SOME KEY PLAYERS: NEW AND CURRENT FUNDERS COME UP BIG IN SUPPORT OF SOCCERSTREETS PROGRAMS
Key organizations and companies keep kids kicking through their generous support
STREET FOOTBALL WORLD conference: WORLD'S MOST POPULAR SPORT CONTINUES TO BE A FORCE FOR GOOD
The streetfootballworld network partners |
It was the most amazing gathering of like-minded individuals who represent groups whose aim is to change people's lives for the better through the sport of football, or soccer, as we like to refer to it here in the United States . Soccer in the Streets was there for the streetfootballworld network meeting, along with representatives from nine other countries.
There were no barriers, in spite of the various languages that were spoken. The truly unifying force among this dedicated and sincere group was their love and passion for the game and their strong desire to touch the lives of those in need. "It was a tremendous honor and privilege to not only be among this group, but to represent the Soccer In The Streets organization on a global stage," reports Jill Robbins, Executive Director.
Discussion was often intense and passionate |
Representatives from 12 football projects came together for the momentous event. The International Network Meeting took place from 19-25 April in Germany . Defensores del Chaco (Argentina), Mais Esporte/Craques der Sempre (Brazil), El Golombiao (Colombia), Street League (England), Peres Center for Peace (Israel), Mathare Youth Sport Association (Kenya), Diambars (Senegal/France), Soccer in the Streets (USA), as well as three German projects, kick forward (Baden-Wuerttemberg), Strassenfussball fuer Toleranz (Brandenburg) and ballance 2006 (Hesse) are now working as core partners in the global streetfootballworld network.
The meeting was organized in cooperation of the British Council Germany (Dreams + Teams program), streetfootballworld and the network partners. The event first took place near Kassel, hosted by the network partner "ballance 2006", and was continued in Berlin at the streetfootballworld base, including a reception at the British Council Headquarters and the official relaunch of www.streetfootballworld.org, the networks communication and cooperation platform.
During a five day workshop, the participants worked on a concept for a World Festival in line with the Football World Cup 2006 - the planning and implementation of this concept will be carried out by young leaders from the respective projects and regions. The idea of the meeting was also to conceptualize a strategy for the activities in the network: several working groups will continue the work on specific topics in order to facilitate binding structures that will create a benefit for the network partners and the participating young people.
Soccer In The Streets has accepted the responsibility of assisting in this effort, including a role in the program evaluation working group. New and innovative tools and techniques are anticipated that will benefit the partners and their clients worldwide.
Please read more about the idea, the network and the core partners on: www.streetfootballworld.orgor contact for more information: Vladimir Borkovic at borkovic@streetfootballworld.org or the core partner in the respective region.
focus on youth achievement: IT'S NOT JUST A NICE THING TO DO - THESE KIDS CAN ACTUALLY PLAY SOCCER
Soccer In The Streets graduates play a big part in state U12 championship and "3v3" team advancing to regional competition.
Parents provide a hero's welcome for the Champs |
A team from the Soccer In The Streets league won the state championship at the Georgia Soccer Rec Cup in Columbus , GA. It was the most diverse team in the tournament, dominating the age group with exceptional skill and tenacity. In decisive fashion, the East Point "Silverbacks" team claimed the State Championship in the Under-12 Coed division, besting 47 other teams across the state of Georgia . The team finished the tournament undefeated with a cumulative record of 7-0-1, outscoring opponents 19 - 3.
In the following month, five of the Soccer In The Streets kids formed a team that was victorious in the Got Milk? 3v3 Soccer Shootout. The "Street Kids", as they were appropriately named, are now eligible to compete at the regional tournament in Orlando , FL in August.
The kids from the Soccer In The Streets program demonstrated their versatility in the 3v3 format, winning their division handily, outscoring opponents two to one. The urban soccer model program proved to be perfectly suited for the small-sided format, as the kids' preparation included practicing in their neighborhood on a hard court surface in a restricted space.
"We've got the best players. We're good because we love playing and we practice a lot," explained Darnell Westmoreland, 11, the only veteran 3v3 player. The entire "Street Kids" squad also played on the U12 rec state championship team in May.
"They called it a 'Soccer Shootout' and that's what we did," remarked Chris Crawford, coach for the 10 and 11 year old players. The "oohs" and "ahhs" of the even the opposing team's parents attested to the remarkable skills and creativity of the Soccer In The Streets kids. The players on the "Street Kids" team are Jose Buenrostro, Jose Miguel Garcia, Diego Mateos, Roberto Oveda and Westmoreland. The team was coached by Jim Earle, Harvey Robbins and Crawford.
The pride of Soccer In The Streets - East Point Silverbacks U12 |
In the final match of the state cup tournament, the Silverbacks soundly defeated a physical Jesup team to the tune of 6-2. Aggressive tactics were no match for the skill and finesse of the players from the Soccer In The Streets East Point program. Other teams that fell in the path of the Silverbacks included those from Atlanta United (West Gwinnett), East Cobb, Douglas County, Central Georgia/Warner Robins, Georgia Futbol Club (Gwinnett County), Villa Rica and South DeKalb.
The Soccer In The Streets league team is in only their second season and is coached by Andy Baskin, Chris Crawford and Harvey Robbins. The players include Jarius Allen, Edgar Ayala, Dominque Baskin, Jose Buenrostro, Jose Garcia, Jesse Grow, Donovan Harrison, Diamond James, Kaitlyn Longino, Diego Mateos, Roberto Oveda, Jesus Rodriguez, Edgar Soto, Darnell Westmoreland and Roman Woodburn.
Beyond the Atlanta area 3v3 tournament, the next step will be to compete at a regional event in order to qualify for the national tournament that is held at the end of the year at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando . The Street Kids' goal is to go to the regional event in August in Orlando . They are now seeking sponsors in order to fund the trip. Anyone interested in supporting their efforts may call the Soccer In The Streets office at 678.993.2113.
HELP WANTED: SOCCER IN THE STREETS IS GROWING TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR SUCCESSFUL URBAN SOCCER PROGRAMS
If you think you have what it takes to be a part of the Soccer In The Streets team, we need you! We are now seeking applicants for the position of Program Manager.
Soccer In The Streets is an innovative program designed to provide kids with opportunities for successful and viable futures through the sport of soccer. Using the Urban Soccer Model, which incorporates a unique curriculum with readily accessible soccer facilities, kids are taught essential life skills, while involving their families and communities throughout the process. A Program Manager will play an integral role in making this model a reality in communities nationwide.
The successful candidate will have to be energetic and versatile, as the job responsibilities will entail everything involved program delivery, including planning, implementation and evaluation. As our Program Manager you will oversee all program services and volunteers and manage all program-related activities such as: traveling to, working with and overseeing current sites in the Atlanta metro area, cultivating new program sites, encouraging parent and community involvement, and assisting affiliates from other cities with marketing, fundraising, evaluation and assessment, and partnership development.
Candidate must be a team player and must have an Undergraduate degree, preferably in business, education, sociology or a related area, with three years related experience dealing with at-risk population and strong managerial, organizational, and communication skills. Supervisory and computer skills, an understanding of soccer and urban environments, and the ability to train groups of people are necessary for the position. Bilingual (Spanish) a definite plus. Will only consider those who have a passion for soccer and helping kids.
Please submit resume, with salary requirements, via regular mail to Jill Robbins, Executive Director at:
Soccer In The Streets
ATTN: Program Manager Position
2323 Perimeter Park Drive NE
Atlanta , GA 30341
or via fax at 770.452.1946.
Position will be open until it is filled by the best candidate.
street cup TOURNAMENTS PROVIDE COST EFFECTIVE MODEL THAT OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERACTION AND COMPETITION
The formula has proven successful - kids get along, play hard and have fun!
Fair Play Team: Phoenix players show off their reward - new NIKE balls |
Soccer In The Streets produced yet another successful "Street-Cup Tournament" in the Atlanta metro area. With perhaps the most ethnically diverse player make-up ever, the Street-Cup boasted some 110 kids, including kids from as far away as Greenville , SC. By all accounts, the players both competed passionately and enjoyed themselves thoroughly during the day-long event.
The event ran smoothly, with games for age groups including Under-10 and 10-14 years old. With perhaps the most exciting match of the day, the event was capped off in style, as the "Silverbacks" and " Phoenix " (both undefeated entering the final match) battled it out for the 10-14 year old championship. In the end, the Silverbacks narrowly edged the Phoenix for a 3-2 victory. Even though the Phoenix came up short in the championship game, they did not go home empty-handed, as their stellar attitude won them the sportsmanship award. In the Under 10 bracket, the Magicians also managed to go undefeated in their run to the championship.
The players cool of with refreshments, including Powerade and Dasani water provided by the local Coca-Cola bottler. |
Of course it is important to note the winners, but the greater prize to the participants lied in developing camaraderie amongst each other and amongst varied ethnic backgrounds. Thanks to involvement from parents and volunteers, participants from the various sites are able to come together for one event without costly transportation expenses, a trend that Soccer In The Streets hopes to continue and expand to include other SoccerStreets program sites for upcoming events.
The purpose of the Street-Cup Tournament is to:
- Provide an outlet for interaction with kids from different backgrounds and competition with other teams
- Reward the efforts of Positive-Choice Soccer program graduates by providing a fun activity in which they can demonstrate and reinforce their newly acquired skills
- Further each graduates' development by giving them the next challenge in a progressive program
- Generate visibility and exposure for Soccer In The Streets programs and opportunities for community involvement
For more information on Soccer In The Streets and our mission, please visit www.soccerstreets.org .
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.
Welcome to the newest affiliate - Aiken , South Carolina . Li'l Peles / Soccer In The Streets program director John Wilson Jr. is branching out. After relocating to Aiken , SC , from Charleston , he has endeavored to start a much-needed program for low-income youth in the rural city better known for polo and equestrian training.
 Turner Broadcasting System hosts exhibition for its employees at their Atlanta Campus . the Public Affairs Department of TBS is hosting an event on July 16, featuring Soccer In The Streets kids to bring awareness to their efforts to support programs in the community. The Turner employees will be treated to exhibition games by the Soccer In The Streets kids and will also have the chance to test their skills by playing along with the kids. TBS had been a proud supporter of SoccerStreets since last year and hopes to involve their employees in this partnership.
Liberian foundation benefits from Soccer In The Streets gear donations . being the experts of "soccer gear recycling", nothing that is donated to Soccer In The Streets goes to waste. The Kasumu Sillah Foundation, which provides soccer development, education and humanitarian services in the founder's home country of Liberia , recently had a shipment sent to Liberia , which included donated jerseys and shoes that were no longer used by Soccer In The Streets. Commentary: In the United States , we can't complain about having no shoes when there are many abroad who have no feet.
Sandy Springs and East Point , GA ( Atlanta metro) . the dates for the next Street-Cup tournaments have been set. Sandy Springs " Street-Box " at Allen Road Park will play host on August 21. The East Point Street-Cup at the East Washington Street-Box @ Charles A. Green Recreation Center will be held on 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.
We're waiting to hear some news from YOU . Soccer In The Streets supports the efforts of affiliates and even like-minded individuals promoting programs for the benefit of less advantaged kids using the sport of soccer. If you have any information, news or stories that you'd like to share with our supporters and friends, be sure to send it to us at info@soccerstreets.org . We look forward to hearing from you soon!
gogirlgo PROGRAM concludes SECOND SUCCESSFUL RUN with soccerstreets and looks to target 1 million inactive girls
The partnership with Women's Sports Foundation continues to benefit less advantaged girls in Soccer In The Streets communities
 Even though the GoGirlGo! project has been a part of SoccerStreets' programming for a second year, there is much more work to be done. The program developed by the Women's Sports Foundation will be the focus of a new campaign to get one million girls active over the next three years.
"The physical activity system for youth has disintegrated over the last 30 years. Parents fear for the safety of their children which limits after-school free play. Organized sports are often expensive and not accessible to economically disadvantaged children. Mandatory daily physical education is disappearing from our schools. The result is a generation of sedentary youth with girls more adversely affected than boys. In 1974, only one out of 21 girls was obese or overweight; today that figure has increased to one in six, and it's cause for action," stated Dawn Riley, WSF President. "Physical activity is key to reversing this trend. The Women's Sports Foundation is committed to doing its part, but it will also require the commitment of parents, coaches, girls and many community and business partnerships to improve the future health of our daughters. GoGirlGo! directly addresses inactivity among girls and provides a real solution."
As a good start, the GoGirlGo! has found a fruitful outlet through the Soccer In The Streets communities that have been selected to implement it. Six cities, reaching over 750 girls, have incorporated the curriculum into their soccer programming for girls. Soccer In The Streets is looking to play a part in the new initiative and encourage more girls to GoGirlGo!
For more information or support our efforts to get girls up and playing the world's most popular sport, please call 678.993.2113.
A special thanks to some key players: NEW AND CURRENT funders come up big in support of soccerstreets programs
 Key organizations and companies keep kids kicking through their generous support.
We would like to express a special THANK YOU to the Finish Line Youth Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Finish Line is underwriting support for the Positive-Choice Soccer life skills/soccer skills program. The Community Foundation is helping us grow by supporting the addition of staff and by providing a technical assistance grant. 
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 teaches less advantaged kids to make positive choices in life so as to better themselves, their families and communities through soccer.
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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