“Putting up financial barriers limits participation to those who can afford it, suppressing diversity, and talent development within the sport of soccer. Building empowering community-driven programs that prioritize inclusivity, ensures that all kids have an opportunity to engage in soccer, develop vital skills, and contribute to the growth of soccer in the US, regardless of their economic background.”
–Julian Alexander, Managing Director, Street Soccer PDX
After a successful summer season in Portland, we sat down with Julian Alexander to reflect on a year of growth and impact.
Inclusive, Passionate Leadership is Key
Julian is our Portland Managing Director, joining Street Soccer in May 2023. Before joining us, Julian was dedicated to helping Latino communities secure affordable housing. At many affordable housing sites, Julian often witnessed kids eager to play soccer but unable to access local futsal courts as they were kept under lock and key. A problem solver by nature, Julian secured the necessary insurance, enabling the kids to use the court for free. The impact was immediate and profound. An entire community developed around the field. Seeing the impact of removing this small barrier opened Julian’s eyes to the potential for soccer to strengthen communities.
In just a year Julian has increased the Street Soccer Portland coaching staff five-fold and quadrupled the number of programs run through community-based partner organizations. Last month alone, Street Soccer Portland served over 900 registered players at no cost to the participants or their families. Julian says the secret to the growth was as simple as spending time in each community, conversing with residents and community leaders, and listening to their interests and vision for what is needed and how it can work. This maps with Street Soccer USA’s core values of being flexible and responsive to communities to make programs work.
Being Responsive to Needs Means Listening and Delivering
To sustain long-term impact, Julian consistently looks for ways to help kids achieve their goals off the field. For many that are transitioning into college or careers, whether that’s ensuring there’s a path for players to become paid coaches within the program (Today, the majority of SSPDX coaches speak Spanish and live in the areas or attended the schools where they coach or have family and children who do) or giving them hands-on experience working on Street Soccer Portland’s social media. More often than not it means reaching out to others for help. For example, the Timbers recently hosted the SSUSA kids at Providence Park for a job fair and nutrition education event.
SSPDX works with dozens of local elementary and middle schools that provide free and reduced lunches and have culturally responsive programs. Still, families struggle with childcare for siblings for extracurricular activities like soccer. Julian and the SSPDX team staffed childcare at every event, meeting the whole family’s needs and eliminating yet another barrier for families struggling on the margins.
Starting at Elementary School and Continuing Through High School
Street Soccer PDX hosts elementary school tournaments where the kids play at least two games each. For many, this is their first experience with organized games. The referees and coaches hail from local schools and communities, ensuring a familiar, non-threatening environment for the kids. Street Soccer Portland uses the excitement around tournaments to engage parents and guardians and capitalize on the engagement by bringing in other community-based organizations and resources. The families get two for one, making efficient service connections in a trusting and convenient environment. As youth age, many who want to play at school can’t afford to join a club team, but community-based sports are still important to them. SSPDX now collaborates with the Boys and Girls Club on the last Friday of every month on a Street League for high schoolers. This initiative includes community dinners and matches for both kids and parents, fostering community connections and linking families to the social services and holistic support offered by the Boys and Girls Club. Since launching this program in April, Street Soccer PDX has enrolled over 120 players in the league.
Community Club for Disadvantaged Adults
Community meetings surfaced the lack of opportunities for youth and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, many of whom live in foster or youth homes. Since COVID, the few available activities for these individuals lessened further. In came Street Soccer PDX to offer the first soccer club specifically for this population.
Winner Stays On
Street Soccer PDX offers structured programs according to SSUSA’s best practice curriculum and methodology, but kids also want to compete. Recognizing the demand for more competitive outlets, SSPDX now hosts a player-driven tournament every Tuesday night. This “winner stays on” format, features a first-to-three style and operates on a pick-up model with more formal league characteristics. It launched with just 15 players and has now grown to 100 players forming nine teams. It’s become a “thing” within the community with semi-pro players now dropping in to compete and share their skills. College players also stop by and just play, inspiring the younger generations. Each week, we see new teams joining, and positive authentic culture developing before our eyes.
“If a child, 15-30 years from now, is still playing soccer, surrounded by friends, passing on support and love for the game, then I’ll know we have succeeded in creating a supportive culture.”