In Chicago, Street Soccer USA means growth. It is about being part of a team. It’s about friendship and personal development. This month we are introducing you to two SSUSA Chicago players, alumni Malachi Allen and first year participant Briana Concepcion
Malachi Allen
Malachi is an alumni from the SSUSA Chicago program who plays both ends of the court. Malachi has been a part of Street Soccer USA for 3 years, attending two national tournaments as well as our midwest and Charlotte Cups. Currently, Malachi is a sophomore at Columbia College studying Music Business. Malachi has been employed by Starbucks for a year and plans to move to California to pursue a music career after college. We sat down with Malachi to ask a few questions about his experience with Street Soccer USA:
What has participation with SSUSA meant to you?
Growth. Development. And being a part of a team of leaders.
What’s your most memorable moment as a SSUSA Program Participant?
I’d say my last trip to the national tournament. It was memorable because of all the friends I made and how much I learned about myself.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next two years with Street Soccer and your personal life?
Become more active with coaching and involving myself with others as alumni. Also using the relationship skills I’ve learned with the program.
If there is one sentiment you could leave with current and future SSUSA participants, what would that be?
Never give up on your goals, always pursue them. Go above and beyond and always remember you’re never alone, you will always have your Street Soccer family!
What SSUSA Skill do you relate most to and why?
Communication and that it’s never all about yourself. Soccer taught me how to relate to others and not be selfish. It’s a team effort just like life. [Street Soccer] always helped me be more motivated with every aspect of my life.
Briana Concepcion
Briana is a first year player with Street Soccer USA Chicago, joining our program at the end of February 2017 as a goalkeeper and defender for the women’s indoor team. Currently a high school senior, Briana is on the Varsity soccer team at her school and is planning on attending Trinity Christian College to study early education this fall. Briana is considering trying out for the women’s soccer team at TCC as well. We sat down with Briana to ask her how SSUSA has impacted her life since joining the program just a few months ago:
What do you plan on accomplishing in the next year?
This year has been very exciting. I’m graduating High School and am excited to start college! High school graduation is very important to me, but I’m really excited to attend college. I will be the first in my family to attend and I’m excited to see take this extra step in learning more about myself.
What has participation in Street Soccer mean to you?
It means a lot. I get to play my favorite sport and gain awesome friendships that hopefully will last a lifetime!
What SSUSA skill do you relate to and why?
Building my triangle. Learning that I have a family and friends on my soccer team that can help me grow really makes things easier. I can’t wait to meet all the great people at Street Soccer [at the National Cup] and gain better experiences as a player to reach my full potential!