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SOCCER IN THE STREETS Newsletter -
FALL 2003
"It helps me make good decisions to think about what helps
me to be a good person." - Darielle Gatson, Age 11
In this issue, read more about:
POSITIVE-CHOICE SOCCER SHOWS POSITIVE RESULTS
It's all in the numbers.Soccer In The Streets now has proof of program
effectiveness
LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM COMES FULL CIRCLE IN ATLANTA
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Bethune Elementary teams up with Soccer In The Streets to teach
the youth how to live a healthier life
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS AND FILM ABOUT
PROGRAM SPEAKS VOLUMES
Two Atlanta based film companies have elected to make a documentary
on the transformation of children touched by Soccer In The Streets
programs
FOCUS ON YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT: SAN FRANCISCO TEEN
OVERCOMES CHALLENGES
As a recent immigrant, Ivette Perez Espinosa uses soccer to reach
great heights in a tough environment
ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD WITH SOCCER
IN THE STREETS
Affiliates from across the country share news about what's happening
and international affiliates join the family
YEAR END CAMPAIGN: 2003 WAS ABOUT "POSSIBILITY";
2004 IS ABOUT "ACCOMPLISHING MORE"
Annual 'Year End Fund Raising Campaign' hopes to more than double
its proceeds and ensure continued programming for at risk kids
A SPECIAL THANKS TO SOME KEY PLAYERS: NEW AND CONTINUING
SUPPORTERS MAKE PROGRAMS POSSIBLE
Key organizations and companies keep kids kicking through their
generous support
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| Role models like Charmaine Hooper of the
Atlanta Beat and Canadian Women's National team, help kids learn
about life through soccer. |
POSITIVE CHOICE SHOWS POSITIVE
RESULTS
It's all in the numbers.Soccer In The Streets now has proof that
the Positive-Choice Soccer program has a positive impact on a community.
Prior to implementing the "Positive-Choice" life skills/ soccer
skills program, the kids often demonstrated poor discipline, poor
behavior and disrespect amongst one another. Over an 18-week program
at the East Point location, peer conflict among the kids decreased
by 81%. At the outset, three out of five youth had difficulty
interacting with their peers without conflict, while only 1 in 8
exhibited the same tendencies at the end of the 18-week implementation.
Correspondingly, incidents of non-compliance and defiance towards
adults experienced a 75% decline. Examples of non-compliance
include but are not limited to the kids not following directions,
arguing with adults, belligerence, rolling of the eyes, etc. Less
than one in seven kids exhibited a disregard for the rules and the
coaches implementing them by the end of the program.
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| Charmaine signs autograph for happy Positive-Choice
participant |
Soccer In The Streets defines teamwork as one who encourages others,
or one who takes the time to help develop the skills of another
player. Over the course of the four and a half-month program at
East Point, an astonishing growth of 55% was accounted for in
teamwork. One out of three kids learned that helping others
not only encourages someone to keep trying, it also makes the entire
team a little stronger.
Although there are an abundance of ways to define someone's character,
in a team situation, leadership tends to evolve rather early. Nearing
the end of the eighteen week program, 40% more of the kids wanted
to help set up the practice area, gather and prepare equipment,
and even assist in coaching or officiating. Another byproduct is
a demonstrated interest in academic achievement.
Soccer In The Streets is determined that with a great deal of work
and dedication to the kids, they will grow up knowing how to not
only help themselves in a sticky situation, but they will have the
knowledge and character to assist others around them.
LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM COMES FULL
CIRCLE IN ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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| Students at Bethune Elementary School
listen intently as they eagerly await their chance to start
kicking and heading soccer balls. |
An Atlanta Public School teams up with Soccer In The Streets to
teach the youth how to live a healthier life. Through a sponsorship
from Publix, Soccer In The Streets is facilitating an after-school
educational soccer program for fifth grade students at Bethune Elementary
School in the Vine City community of Atlanta, GA. The kickoff activity
was held on Tuesday September 30th and was hosted by Principal RoseMary
Hamer as well as Phil Hill, Chairperson of Soccer in the Streets.
The anti-drugs, anti-crime after-school soccer program was originally
piloted in Atlanta Public elementary schools over three years ago.
Two specially designed curriculums - Positive-ChoiceT Soccer and
GoGirlGo Project - will each involve 20 students who have been selected
by school personnel, including the principal, social worker and
teachers. The kickoff event introduced the programs, the participants
and gave the community an opportunity to learn more about the activities
in which their children will participate.
Through participation in the Positive-Choice Soccer program, developed
by Soccer In The Streets, kids learn to chart a course for their
life away from unhealthy behavior, such as drug use and participation
in gangs, and towards a better education, career, and healthier
lifestyle and personal growth. The program ties life skills with
soccer skills teaching young people to associate these fun activities
with the skills necessary to be successful. Publix Supermarkets
is providing the funding to implement this program.
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| It's in the net! A new soccer player experiences
his first successful shot on goal. |
The goal of the GoGirlGo Project - a program developed and funded
by the Women's Sports Foundation - is to use sport to enhance the
wellness of girls as they navigate between childhood and early womanhood.
While learning basic soccer skills, the girls will also have the
opportunity to learn and be inspired by the true stories from nationally
recognized elite female athletes who have faced important decisions
in their lives and used their involvement with sports to face such
challenges. The duration of both programs is twelve weeks.
"This is a great opportunity to bring quality soccer programs to
the children in the Vine City community," stated Mr. Hill. "The
kids have responded tremendously to the program and we can continue,
in our small way, to show them a life of 'No Drugs, No Crime.Just
Soccer'." Ms. Hamer also expressed her eagerness to get the programs
started. "The faculty and staff recognized during the inception
of this project the benefits for our students. It provide[s] a multifaceted
experience for our students. Students positively channel their energy
and [the program] gives them an opportunity to be recognized and
respected by their peers, their families and the community. [It]
directly impacts our student's mastery of their academic standards
and cooperative learning strategies. You couldn't ask for a better
mix!" Brenda Reid, Community Affairs Manager for Publix, conveyed
her enthusiasm for the program. "At Publix we are excited about
the opportunity to bring soccer to the children of this community.
They are going to have a ball!"
Joe Beasley, Executive Director of Antioch Urban Ministries, has
been a catalyst in the process of bringing the program to the community.
"We are excited about the start of Soccer at Bethune," Beasley commented.
Through his involvement with the Northyards Community Fund and Antioch
Baptist Church, funding also is being made available to create a
permanent soccer facility for the Vine City / English Avenue communities.
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The Journey crew prepares for another
day of filming. |
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Right on top of the action, Kathleen wields
a mean camera. |
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND
WORDS AND FILM ABOUT PROGRAM SPEAKS VOLUMES
Journey Productions and Billy Hazzard Productions, two Atlanta
based film companies, have elected to make a documentary on the
transformation of children touched by Soccer In The Streets programs.
The story will begin with how a community uses a soccer program
as a tool to affect change. Sought out by community leaders and
initiated by Soccer In The Streets, the program reaches the youth
through school, church, neighborhood organizations, businesses,
family and the community as a whole. The profile featured in this
story will be the Vine City community in Atlanta, GA.
Filming began in early September and includes interviews with key
players involved in bringing Soccer In The Streets to the Vine City
Community at Bethune Elementary School. Everyone from the school
principal to key funders to coaches and kids are being filmed, interviewed,
questioned, and observed in an effort to bring the story to life.
Interesting events, comments and moments are being captured on film
with the hopes of sharing the inspiring story of how the lives of
children are impacted by soccer. In addition, the documentary makers
will follow Vine City for years to come to keep track of the changes
occurring in the community. Ultimately, the story exhibits how simple
programs like Positive-Choice and GoGirlGo merged with dedicated
people can make a huge impact on a community.
Mr. Hill, chairman of Soccer In The Streets since 2001, is seeking
out separate funding sources for this project, which is hoped to
be a catalyst to bring in support for Soccer In The Streets programs.
Profits from the documentary will be used as a funding source for
Soccer In The Streets. He can be reached via email at philhill@soccerstreets.org.
FOCUS ON YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT: SAN
FRANCISCO TEEN OVERCOMES CHALLENGES
As a recent immigrant, Ivette Perez Espinosa uses soccer to reach
great heights in a tough environment . an American middle school.
Ivette came to this country from El Savador when she was 10. Among
her accomplishments, she includes "surviving middle school." However,
she excelled beyond mere survival. She made honor roll with 4.0
G.P.A. in 7th grade, even while learning English. She also played
on the first girls' soccer team at her middle school.
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| Ivette Perez Espinosa |
"I started playing at Everett Middle School. We went and played
against another Soccer in the Streets team in the Tenderloin. And
then I finally decided to get up the courage to play on the Jamestown
Under-14 team. Then I was picked to play on the Youth Games team.
Now I'm waiting for my high school team to start in the spring."
Her Soccer In The Streets coach, Dierdre Murphy described some
of Ivette's strengths, such as her dedication to study and getting
good grades. "She gives her all in everything she does no matter
how hard it is. She quickly developed great soccer skills and is
a positive leader and gets along well with her peers." Ivette recently
played on the first place team representing San Francisco in the
U.S. Youth Games, which beat Newark, NJ in the finals.
"When I played on the Youth Games team, it was the first time
playing on a serious team and the first time I enjoyed soccer so
much. The best part I liked is that we won against New Jersey,"
Ivette told about her experience. "At first when I joined the time
I was scared because I thought the girls were going to talk about
me because I didn't know how to play that well. But after, I was
getting into it and I decided to give my best in the last game.
Instead of sitting on the sidelines I wanted the coach to put me
in so I could score a goal. And I almost did."
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Soccer has helped Ivette be physically fit, has increased her confidence
by helping her overcome shyness, and encouraged her to be responsible
(she is a "straight A" student.) As a new immigrant to this country,
it has given her an outlet and fostered better understanding across
cultures and generations. "It helped my parents understand that
soccer is not just for boys, but girls too. Before my father didn't
like me to play because it was too dangerous for girls. But I explained
to him that soccer is what I liked to do the best. And when he saw
the medal I brought home he was very happy for me. And he even watched
some of the USA games in the Women's World Cup!"
Ivette's goals are to first go to college and get a career which
will help her survive and have a good economic situation for her
children and family. "I want to be a lawyer because I like to fight
for what is right. They put innocent people in jail and the ones
who are doing bad things are still in the streets. And I would like
play for a professional women's team in the US," she stated.
Ivette spoke about other benefits of her involvement. "Soccer
is a great thing to do. You learn about different cultures. And
you can learn about the history of how women's soccer got started.
And now they have real teams like the US girls soccer team."
What advice does Ivette have for others? "Don't be intimidated
if your friends tell you not to play or if they say its only for
tomboys. Do what is best for you, not what others think that is
best for you. Follow what is best for your life and the things that
you are going to enjoy for the rest of your life."
Now 14 years old, Ivette has begun high school and plans to play
for her high school team in the spring.
ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND
THE WORLD WITH SOCCER IN THE STREETS
Soccer In The Streets is not just about Atlanta . ask any of the
affiliates across the country and around the world. Where the need
exists, we go to serve those communities.
San Diego, CA . Originally one of the Mervyn's Girls Soccer
League cities, the program has developed into a much bigger youth
league...600 to 800 kids! Coordinated by Ricky Franchi of the San
Diego Parks and Recreation Department, the organization was recently
host to the GoGirlGo Project for over 100 girls.
The next big event is a Soccer Tournament to be conducted the week
before Thanksgiving. It's 6 V 6 and all entry fees go to help support
the soccer programs through the Parks and Recreation Department.
This fundraising tournament will be held Saturday, November 22nd
and Sunday, November 23rd at Kearny Mesa Recreation Center, 3170
Armstrong Street, San Diego California 92111. Phone: (858) 573-1387.
Entry fee per team is $40 with a three game guarantee. Age divisions
include 5 & under / 7 & under / 10 & under / 12 & under and Adults
- Women / Men / Co-ed. For more information, please contact Ricky
Franchi at (619) 247-5942. The web site is at www.californiasoccerleague.com
Miami, FL . After Miami hosted recent international friendlies
between the United States and Haiti, Kenneth Newman, program coordinator
for past SoccerStreets events and programs, began investigating
the potential for Haitian Youth Soccer, as a means to keep young
Haitians out of trouble, both in Miami and in their homeland. Community
partners are encouraged to get involved by contacting Kenneth at
refgkcoach@hotmail.com.
Tuskegee, AL . Soccer In The Streets affiliate, Tuskegee
Futbol Youth Internationale Inc. reports progress and challenges
in their rural Alabama community. Program director, Dingani Nkuchwayo
noted that the Under 8 team is doing well with their young team.
They are currently tied for 4th place, with the tournament beginning
October 21st. The team, he reports, have played extremely hard and
with determination, as the only coed team against all boys teams.
The Under 13 team has started strong and is in 2nd place before
the tournament. One player, ArDarius Ferrell, has had a particularly
noteworthy performance, scoring in all except one match. If more
players and volunteers that have this same drive, it will surely
open the door of opportunities for the youth and community.
Nkuchwayo notes that "TFYI is moving with 'prayer and patience'
through good and bad." Lack of transportation has been a major obstacle,
yet the desire to have success still pushes them ahead. They even
had to cancel a few matches because of no transportation for some
of the youth. By living and trying to provide for those in a rural
setting, and through help from organizations like Soccer In The
Streets, they hope to have the support that is truly needed to see
progress in this effort. The Tuskegee organization may be reached
through shonarabic@hotmail.com.
San Francisco, CA . Long time Soccer In The Streets stalwart,
Scott Golde reports that the Youth Games went quite well. Girls'
coach Deirdre Murphy led the San Francisco girls to the gold medal.
The boys took a silver at the 37th annual US Youth Games.
Soccer In The Streets programs are back on track in the Tenderloin
on Mondays and Friday and at SOMA Tuesdays and Thursdays. They have
also participated in the Special Olympics Soccer Qualifier and did
the first collaboration with the Elks Club with their National Soccer
Shoot program. Several SoccerStreets teams will participate in the
Winter Futsal league.
Additionally, the San Francisco Soccer In The Streets program
has informally joined forces with the local Scores board to better
serve their population. Golde, a tireless and dedicated individual,
is the US Youth Games and Soccer Coordinator for the City of San
Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. He is also the Recreation
Director for the Tenderloin Recreation Center.
Lahore, Pakistan . Youth Sport, the Soccer In The Streets
affiliate headed up by Maqbool Qureshi, is preparing for upcoming
programming in his Pakistani community. He has made numerous appeals
for funding in his country and continues his efforts for reaching
disadvantaged youth through soccer.
YEAR END CAMPAIGN: 2003 WAS ABOUT
"POSSIBILITY"; 2004 IS ABOUT "ACCOMPLISHING MORE"
Soccer In The Streets' annual "Year End Fund Raising Campaign"
hopes to more than double its proceeds and ensure continued programming
for at risk kids. The committee is preparing to dive into the annual
effort with personal letters going out to "Friends of SoccerStreets"
by early November. The goal of the campaign is to obtain 100 donors
of $500 each.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO SOME KEY PLAYERS: NEW AND
CONTINUING SUPPORTERS MAKE PROGRAMS POSSIBLE
Key organizations and companies keep kids kicking through their
generous support. We would like to express a special THANK YOU to
Publix Super Markets, Antioch Baptist Church - Urban Ministries,
City of East Point - Operation Weed & Seed, Fulton County (GA) Parks
& Recreation and Trinity Presbyterian Church.
Programs such as Soccer In The Streets would not exist if it were
not for the financial contribution from entities that believe in
our impact on a community.THANKS AGAIN!!
"ON THE BALL" is the quarterly newsletter of Soccer In
The Streets, an Atlanta based nationwide non-profit organization
that develops soccer, educational and life-skills programs for "at-risk"
kids in urban communities.
Copyright 2003 by Soccer In The Streets, Inc. All rights reserved.
This message may be forwarded to individuals if this trailer is
included, but may *not* be reposted publicly or reprinted in any
form without explicit permission.
Soccer In The Streets, Inc.
2323 Perimeter Park Drive NE
Atlanta , GA 30341
Phone: 678.993.2113
FAX: 770.452.1946
Email: info@soccerstreets.org
Website: www.soccerstreets.org
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