(Year-to-date Participants: 77)
SSUSA Portland Receives Timbers Community Fund Grant
(Year-to-date Participants: 1589)
Street Soccer USA Park Fall Schedule
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Bay Area Celebrates The Arts – SAACE
On September 30th, Street Soccer Bay Area immersed itself in a unique way at the SAACE Mid Autumn Harvest Festival. This Festival helps “promote and preserve the arts and culture of the Southeast Asian American communities in San Francisco, specifically highlighting the Indo-Chinese refugee communities which have a long history in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco.” It was an opportunity for SSUSA Bay Area to observe and appreciate the various cultures and art represented and then bring about our own form of self expression through the game of soccer.
In the midst of all the art, dance and music, the youth and adults jumped on the Street Soccer mini pitch, using the space as an open canvas to connect with the community around them.
To many of the participants in attendance, it was a chance to build confidence and try a something new. A competitor in the adult portion of the tournament took SSUSA Youth Coach, Philip, aside and expressed, “I have never been athletic and I want to try it. I want to see if I can get a medal.” He did in fact obtain the desired medal. We saw soccer used as a platform for individuals to step outside of their box, and experience individual growth and success.
(Year-to-date Participants: 230)
Three Philly Street Soccer teams enter the Washington Cup in October
The Philly’s Street Soccer Program is sending three teams and 5 players to the inaugural MCJ El Rey – Washington Cup in Beltsville, MD, on October 7th. About 33 teams take part in this 1st time event. Stay tuned for a report on their successes in next month’s newsletter!
(Year-t0-date Participants: 150)
Player Highlight: Majeed
Majeed story starts in Ghana where he left his Mother and younger siblings to find a better means for himself. He started by flying to Brazil and then traveling throughout South and Central America to finally arrive in the US. Upon arrival, he was immediately placed into a correctional facility filled with illegal immigrants. From there, the rough journey only continued. Because he was underage he was placed in a displacement home and where he felt even more alone than ever. However, with a place to stay and begin focusing on getting back on his feet, he is now battling the process of becoming a US citizen and has the support of SSUSA – Chicago to stay motivated. Majeed Started with Street Soccer USA while living in Viator house, a Program Partner of SSUSA – Chicago. Once there, he quickly formed bonds with the all the residents and together they have created a special bond for the SSUSA – Chicago team
Through all the darkness, there was one thing that kept Majeed going. Soccer.
In the rough patches, soccer has always been his passion which he has been fortunate enough to pursue with a scholarship for the Chicago Jr.s Fire Program. Majeed is focused on having a balance. He is dedicated to his Street Soccer team but remaining focused on his education and becoming a doctor, just a few of the goals he has set with his Coach Otto Rodriguez.
(Year-to-Date Participants: 1682)
Sunset Park Homework Help
Street Soccer USA – NYC recently launched a reading and homework help group for our U7 and U9 teams in Sunset Park. As part of service coordination model, we do a needs assessment of where we can effectively support and refer youth and families to resources in their communities or provide direct services.
Each Wednesday our players take a break from soccer practice to sit down with their coach to study. Our goal is to emphasize all the hard work and effort our players put in on the field and how that applies equally to their off the field goals like academics. It also gives our kids a great opportunity to engage with their coach in a new way. The program’s been well received from players and parents both, living our motto that at Street Soccer USA we play for more.
