Street Soccer USA News

 Union Rescue Mission Kick-Around

Street Soccer USA Los Angeles is working with Union Rescue Mission to deliver a program for homeless families on Skid Row. On March 30, youth ages 5-17 participated in kick-around session, intended to serve as a precursor to weekly programming on site. Street Soccer USA coaches introduced the Blue Card, and  infused shoutouts and team talk into two hours of loose play. It is safe to say that the SSUSA coaches could measure the success of the session by the youth’s expressed interest in when Street Soccer USA would return!

 

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!

Pushing the Envelope on the Pitch! Tenderloin Street Soccer Team Participants Try-Out for SFCFC

Two talented Street Soccer Players, Nieder Alawdi & Moheeb Ali in the San Francisco Bay Area tried out for San Francisco City Football Club (SFCFC) Premier Development League (PDL). They both embodied the Street Soccer Skills and the SFCFC was encouraged by their effort and attitude. Moheeb actually scored two goals during the 11v11 scrimmage. The tryout was highly competitive and unfortunately neither boys earned a spot on the roster, but they’re excited to keep working and try again next year.

The team General Manager, Jacques Pelham, and Coach Naddy, share their appreciation for the young men trying out for the team. Jacques notes, “It was an honor to host the Tenderloin Street Soccer Club players at our tryout. Having Nieder and Moheeb join our tryout along with several other young players from local high schools was important for us to help create high level soccer opportunities for players across the SF soccer community.”

Coach Paddy follows up by stating, “Nieder and Moheeb showed skill, hard work and a great attitude at the tryout. The level of competition was high and the boys made a great impression through their play.  

                                     SSUSA Tenderloin Community Club Player Moheeb Ali

Chicago Puts Emphasis on Learning On and Off the Pitch!

SSUSA Chicago Girls Community Club

Starting our Spring season, the weather has taken its toll and has pushed us indoors for the most of it. However, our girls have been persistent in their growth on and off the field. During the snow days our girls have been attending study halls to focus on their education. Currently our girls are maintaining a 2.98/4 GPA average. The hard work in the classroom then translates on the field. Currently Our girls have played 8 games with a record of 5-3. Our top goal scorer is Miriam Guaman with 6 goals with Estrella Villa getting 4 assists.

SSUSA Chicago Mens Community Club

Our boys Community club finished their indoor season with 4th place in their league! The boys have maintained a 3.2/4GPA. Jorge Ochoa ended the season as the top goal scorer of the league with 26 goals and Juan Cuevas recording 12 goals as well. With the winter season just wrapping up, the boys are focusing more on studying and fundraising for our summer tournaments!

After School Program Spring Break

SSUSA Chicago’s After school program is in full swing! The youth have been focusing once a week on school work which gets them to participate in their end of the week soccer game. During the past month, SSUSA Chicago help provide programming to the youth’s Spring Break camp focusing on the skill transfer on and off the soccer pitch. The focus of the week – Respect. The games played promoted the various characteristic of respect, allowing youth to express their own perspectives on the topic. Was a great way to gear up for future lessons with SSUSA once school is back in action!