Pedro, 33 started playing for Street Soccer NYC last year after taking refuge at the HELP USA shelter in Randall’s Island due to a bipolar episode that cost him everything including the roof over his head.
“I went to the coaches office for one thing and ended up going for the soccer,” Pedro said. “It was a very new feeling, being part of this team gave me a new start and help with my mood.”
Being part of SSUSA Pedro has noticed an improvement in his mood, his peers and coaches encourage this positive change, he was chosen to represent TEAM USA at the Homeless World Cup this summer.
“I was really excited to play and learn how to play soccer and getting to know new people in a positive environment has helped me control my emotions,” Pedro said. “I’m always laughing, talking [to my teammates] every time we play.”
For Pedro every game is different, a surprise of little victories from scoring a goal to making a goal.
“Stuff like that, that happens in games counters my depression,” Pedro said. “I come out laughing, I really look forward to practices—it takes you away from everything.”
As a participant in SSUSA’s adult program, Pedro is coached by NYC Adult Program Manager Reed Fox.
“Coach Reed has taught me to not give up, to keep giving things a try, it’s not the end of the World” Pedro said. “We have times when life isn’t the greatest and we have to keep at it.”
With and Associate degree in English from Brooklyn Community College, Pedro hopes to continue his higher education in the future but for now he is working to get a job at Accessorize, and eventually get more endorsements on his license as well as his taxi license and buying his own car. He has left the shelter and currently lives in Staten Island.
“I know I can achieve these goals with Street Soccer’s help, being here keeps my mood up so I don’t get depressed and slowing down. I’ve never been through this stuff, I hit rock bottom and got bummed out about life,” Pedro said. “I disconnected from a lot of people because I was ashamed of being in this situation so having Street Soccer, and the family feeling that I get out of it I felt like I can still connect with people.”
Pedro is excited to continue to connect with people, especially people from all parts of the world at the Homeless World Cup and continue to grow his Street Soccer Family.
Coach Reed is proud of Pedro’s commitment to SSUSA and his team.
“I am Immensely proud of this guy!” Coach Reed Exclaimed. “[He] moved out of the shelter, commutes 1.5 hours to practice twice a week and always brings a positive attitude.”