At Street Soccer USA we have core values. These values bind all of our SSUSA Programs across the United States.
SSUSA Value # 1 : WE BELIEVE IN PROMISE
We believe in the promise of all people and of all communities. We make the promise that we will be there to help them people and communities realize their potential.
Below you can tune into the stores of 3 special participants/ coaches that truly lived out our motto “play for more” as they graduated High School and took off for college this September!
Sergio Sanchez – 18yrs Old – SSUSA Bay Area
What was your experience with sport of soccer and your coaches and teammates growing up? Did you have the opportunity to play in the “pay to play model”?
Growing up I always had an interest in the sport of soccer and played it around the playground with anyone else who wanted to play at the Tenderloin Rec Center. We would play every day until the rec center closed. However, I never played competitively until I started middle school at Francisco where I joined the soccer team. Joining the soccer team at Francisco was a different experience for me, but I was welcomed with open arms by them. I also played with the after school program’s team that were in America Scores, another non profit soccer organization in the Bay Area. My coach, Erika, was one of the most impactful people in my life. Besides the drills and scrimmages, Erika taught me about life and helped me through the difficult life challenges I was facing at the time.
I never got the opportunity to play in the “pay to play model” but was able to develop my skills with the programs that helped youth that could not afford Club sports in the area such as Street Soccer USA.
When did you first realize you loved the sport of soccer?
I always enjoyed the sport of soccer growing up. My family and I always sat down together to watch the Mexico National Soccer Team and cheered for them. It wasn’t till the age of 8 when I thought about actually playing the sport. Ever since then, I fell in love with the beautiful game. One of my favorite players growing up was Ronaldinho. He had so much skill and played very well while being a humble person.
Why did you decide to come back and work for SSUSA after your internship finished through the MYEEP Program?
I decided to come back to work at SSUSA as a paid coach because I felt a connection with the kids and I loved how SSUSA gave everyone an opportunity to play in a safe environment. While I was an intern during the summer I saw myself in some of the kids I coached. I saw the persistence and determination I had as a kid to do their best on the field while respecting other people. Growing up playing at the Tenderloin Rec Center, it was hard for us to get a “real” game going. We would have plenty of us who wanted to play, but we never had a clean field to play on or leadership. I love seeing the SSUSA Mini Court at the Tenderloin Rec Center now that provides space for the play to happen naturally.
Tell us about having the opportunity to work with TELHI, a program that you were able to partake in as a child?
I felt special, a word that I didn’t always use to describe myself growing up. Being able to give back to a community that helped shape me through soccer has been very impactful. AS I showed up to coach the first day, some of the players knew me already from the stories that my coach, Erika, shared about me and from when I used to intern at TELHI. The players not only looked at me as a coach, but as a friend. One day after practice my old coach Erika stopped before I left and told how she was extremely proud of me for the person I become.
How was your experience playing for the Adult Team Change and the Coaches Team?
Playing for the Adult Team Change and the Coaches Team was one of the best experiences I have had. On Team Change I met many people from various backgrounds all gathered together having fun. Playing with both teams pushed me to play harder while making new friends in the process. During the Bay Area Cup I had an amazing time playing for both teams.
Do you feel you have grown as an individual thoras it prepared you to take off for college?
I’ve grown so much as an individual while working with SSUSA. I learned may new skills that will help me as I set off on this new chapter of my life which is college. I learned how to create bonds with people and network. I also learned how to express myself more which was hard for me because of past events in my life.
Sammie, 18, SSUSA New York
Sammie started playing with Street Soccer USA before our youth program was fully developed. Soccer was not Sammie’s primary sport, but her determination to learn and succeed led to her traveling to Lyon, France with Street Soccer USA for an international youth tournament. Her participation and vision for the role Street Soccer USA could play in the lives of youth from East New York helped inform what Street Soccer USA does today. It has been a pleasure to see Sammie grow from the 14-year-old we first met to the goal-oriented, social justice advocate she is today.
What college will you be attending?
Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What are most excited about heading into college? I’m most excited about using all the resources provided to me in college (i.e., conducting independent research, studying abroad, etc.). I’m looking forward to studying dramaturgy and international relations.
How long have you played with SSUSA?
I’ve played with SSUSA for 4 years.
What is your favorite memory with SSUSA?
My favorite memory is travelling to Lyon, France and playing in a tournament with other international players.
What’s a lesson you learned during your time with SSUSA that you’ll apply in college?
Without SSUSA, I would not have learned of my love for travel and international relations. SSUSA provided me with opportunities I would never be able to have otherwise. I will be eternally grateful for all SSUSA has done and taught me, particularly about believing in my team and myself.
David, 18, SSUSA Sunset Park
David has played for Street Soccer USA in our Sunset Park program since its inception in 2016. He started off as a player, but his leadership skills and passion for the game stood out and it was evident he would be a great fit for our AmeriCorp Up2Us coaching position. In this role, he doubled our U16 program and through his hard work and commitment received a stipend to be applied towards his college tuition. We’re proud of David and all he’s brought to Street Soccer USA.
What college will you be attending?
Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York, New York
What are most excited about heading into college?
I’m excited to make new connections with people who can help me become a sport psychologist. I know I have a lot of work to do but am ready for the challenge! I have learned the importance of hardwork from Street Soccer.
How long have you played with SSUSA?
I’ve played with SSUSA for almost 4 years. They have become my family!
What is your favorite memory with SSUSA?
My favorite memory has to be the time when myself and a couple other SSUSA kids from around the country got to go to Russia for the World Cup and watch Spain vs Russia at the stadium.
What’s a lesson you learned during your time with SSUSA that you’ll apply in college?
A lesson I will take with me is to build my triangle by making new connections and relationships with people who have similar goals.
Zeyad, 18, Sunset Park
Zeyad has played for Street Soccer USA in Sunset Park for a year. He came to us after moving from Dubai with his extended family. His major goal was finding a soccer club that was a good representation of the various cultures and communities in New York, and Street Soccer USA fit that bill. Zeyad has shown himself to be a dedicated and humble player who is focused on the greater success of the team. He’s recently been accepted to BMCC and earned a spot on the BMCC soccer team!
What college will you be attending?
Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York, New York
What are most excited about heading into college?
I’m very excited about taking my first steps towards building my career.
How long have you played with SSUSA?
I’ve played with SSUSA for 1 year, but I feel like it’s been way longer! Thats the great thing about Street Soccer and the community.
What is your favorite memory with SSUSA?
My favorite memory is going to the Liverpool vs Manchester City game and watching Mohamed Salah, my idol, live! What a day.
What’s a lesson you learned during your time with SSUSA that you’ll apply in college?
I learned to take the space and will be trying out for the college soccer team. I learned you have to take chances to succeed.
