NYC Adult Program Introduced to Massage Therapy
A monthly partnership with local massage therapist Rebecca Klinger has the NYC Adult Program feeling relaxed and limber!
The exciting partnership was formed over Thanksgiving dinner this past November. Rebecca, a long-time family friend of Coach Reed, expressed a desire to bring something special and different to the SSUSA Community. Rebecca knows the importance of self care and believes massages are one way for athletes to respect their bodies. Rebecca explained, “I’ve always wanted to support those less fortunate than myself and this is what I have to offer! Massages should be for everyone, not just the rich.”
Rebecca spent over three hours with our team, working out their sore muscles and teaching them about the importance of stretching and taking care of their bodies. The team was introduced to “new age” music, which led to several of them dozing off in the massage chair. It was a welcomed stress-reliever for players and coaches, which allowed them to bond as a group on a cold Saturday. As one player put it, “I’ve never felt more relaxed in my life!” Safe to say, we are looking forward to seeing Rebecca on Wards Island once a month!
Premier League Champion, Christian Fuchs, Hosts Clinic in New York!
It’s evident Christian Fuchs cant keep away from the beautiful game of soccer. In the several days that Funchs has a break from the Premier League, he has decided to dedicate his time to work alongside Street Soccer USA in Sunset Park, hosting a free soccer clinic accompanied by Fox Soccer Academy. Fox Soccer Academy, the organization Funch founded, is an elite youth development program that allows youth to take their skill sets to the next level, learning from professional coaches and players. Fuch’s decided to break down barriers, giving this opportunity youth no matter what sociecomial background they come from.
The idea spurred after his wife, Raluca Gold-Fuchs, attended a recent Street Soccer USA breakfast in New York City. She was inspired from the energy in the room and the passion from those that are a part of the SSUSA Team.
Heading to to New York to make this clinic a reality is a win win for Fuchs. He has the chance to spend time with his own family living here and celebrate a “new family” comprised of the youth, volunteers and coaches at SSUSA.
Check out the article below for the whole story!
Reaching Goals and Giving Back
Angela Draws, SSUSA Sacramento Lady Salamander, now professional personal Trainer, hosts 24 hr train-a-thon fundraiser for Shriners Hospital
Angie Draws joined the Sacramento Lady Salamanders team in 2013 during her first 100 days of sobriety and moving forward from her past 17 years of depression, addiction, isolation, abuse and hopelessness. While Angie was a part of the Lady Street Soccer USA team, she had the opportunity to be a part of team of women all striving to rebuild their lives, work to achieve goals on and off the team, and have the unique opportunity to compete in SSUSA National and tournaments in Times Square, NY, Civic Center in San Francisco, CA. In 2014, she was chosen to represent the Street Soccer USA team at the Homeless World Cup in Santiago, Chile.
Angie had never been a soccer player, but her lack of experience did not keep her from giving the team a shot. She learned very quickly that SSUSA is much more than being a good soccer player and more about the goals being scored off the field. The support, the constant goal setting, the fun and camaraderie she found with her team was more meaningful than any game we won or lost. After participating in these life changing experiences , consistent goal setting and with the support of her team, Angie decided to pursue her new professional goal to be a Certified personal trainer. Since 2014 she has I received a diploma after graduating from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) and received my Personal Trainer certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and Golf Fitness Specialist from Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). She also continued to stay involved with SSUSA Sacramento as a mentor and ambassador. As an ambassador and mentor, Angie travelled and paid her own way to two Homeless World Cups in Amsterdam, 2015 and Oslo, Norway 2017 to support team USA and continue to carry the message of what is possible through soccer.
Today Angie is a Certified Personal Trainer training at a gym called Varimax and thriving while helping people achieve their fitness goals, improve their lives, and making the most of life- like she did. Angie and Varimax owner, Greg Johnson trained 24 hrs coached 60 minute circuit training boot camp style classes EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR from 5:00 pm Friday the 23rd, to 5:00 pm Saturday the 24th. 100% of every dollar raised will go directly to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California. Friday night we were fortunate enough to rally some more Lady Salamander Alums to show up for a mid night work out for the cause!
Recognition at Stand with Refugees and Immigrants Event in PDX
‘All of our practices focus on connecting soccer skills to life skills, and this event is no different: we’re all here to build relationships and create a healthy community in East Portland…” Adam said.
Adam was recognized for the one-year anniversary of the program at East Portland Community Center, which has worked with over 100 youth on site since February 13th 2017. The focus of the program is to create a community for refugee youth, build relationships and connect participants and their families to social service/city resources. Street Soccer USA Portland is now gearing up to get youth registered for the Portland World Cup (an event put on by Parks for New Portlanders). They will provide bus passes and soccer gear to all the participants, allowing the youth participants to enjoy the full soccer experience!
The Facebook page for the event stated that it was an evening to, “welcome, honor, heal and celebrate…about what it means to be a refugee, immigrant, and Muslim in Portland.” The event had live stage performances of different cultural music and dances, catered food from local food carts, and was open to individuals of all ages, most especially the refugee and immigrant families of Portland.
The event also provided numerous opportunities for youth to find summer jobs at the Parks Department and other local groups.
We’re honored to receive such recognition and look forward to our new programs for refugee youth launching this spring!
