Now, APS' Children Are "All About Soccer"

(ATLANTA, OCT 7th, 2016) - Last Friday, Dunbar Elementary School hosted Friday Game Day as part of SitS' new Atlanta Public School Program. Students from Dunbar, M.A. Jones, and F.L. Stanton were able to show off their newly acquired soccer skills in front of the parents and faculty members that came out to enjoy the good weather and the competitive game sessions. 

The APS Program, run by SitS' Director of Coaching and Education, Lauren Desmond, began in the beginning of September. Desmond explained that the majority of the participants had no prior exposure to soccer yet are already showing signs of improvement and understanding of the game.

SitS had the opportunity to speak with many of the APS parents and fans. Lauren Sharipo, a Dunbar 5th grade teacher, passionately cheered for her students from the sidelines. Sharipo expressed her gratitude for the program, explaining that students are responding well to SitS’ initiative: “It’s a reward for them. If you’re doing well in school, making good grades, they get to play this game. They love it. It’s causing them to work harder, keeping them way more focused.”

Jared Raheem, watched on proudly as his son’s team took the lead. “I can see the excitement on his face. That’s all I come for,” said Raheem. He added, “Kids are better all around when you don’t keep them in a box. I want my child to experience the same things every other child gets to experience.” Raheem and other parents explained the need for the APS program as soccer is not generally accessible in their neighborhoods. SitS plans on expanding the program to reach as many APS students as possible.

The beautiful game is here to stay...

Lauren Desmond Named Director of Coaching and Education

ATLANTA (Oct. 6, 2016) - Lauren Desmond, an experienced soccer coach and player, has been tapped to take over as Director of Coaching and Education for Soccer in the Streets. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Lauren majored in Health and Physical Education and went on to pursue a Masters in Sport Pedagogy. She first joined the Soccer in the Streets team as the school-based Program Manager, impressing the entire organization with her performance. As Director of Coaching and Education, Lauren will shape coaches into leaders and mentors, providing the support and resources necessary for their development and will set the bar high in order to encourage excellence.  

“Lauren has shone in her role of developing school-based programs and already has a great rapport with our coaching corps. She has a strong background in coaching, managing and education that make her a perfect fit for the direction we see our coaching and program philosophy heading,” said Jill Robbins, Chief Program Officer at SitS.

Within the parameters of SitS' programs, coaches are responsible for more than soccer skills. They play an important role as one of the most influential individuals in a young player’s life. Thus, coaches involved with SitS need to have the necessary tools and strategies for shaping young lives in a positive way. Lauren will impact not only our core coaching system, but will also implement changes enabling the organization to embrace a coherent expansion of education-based programs through soccer.

Before joining SitS, Lauren taught high school health and physical education at St. Francis High School, coaching soccer for 2 years before accepting the Athletic Director position at Atlanta Classical Academy. Lauren additionally coached for 5 years at local clubs, including Athens United and Ambush, as well as high school soccer at Clarke Central High School and St. Pius.When asked about her new role with SitS, Lauren expressed her core motivations: "I love that my workday revolves around two of my favorite things in the world: soccer and working with youth. I also love that I have the opportunity to work with such passionate people" Lauren is looking forward to taking on her new role as Director of Coaching and Education, "to help develop and grow our organization's coaching approach and philosophy, especially in regards to the social and emotional domains of learning."

PHOTOS: Coaches reverse roles in clinic with Georgia Soccer DOC

ATLANTA— This coaching staff can play a little bit, too.

To freshen up instructional methods and teach some new perspectives, Georgia Soccer director of coaching Jacob Daniel stopped by Soccer in the Streets' fall clinic on Wednesday night. Daniel, who recently spoke with Dirty South Soccer for an intriguing interview about the sport's growth within the state, spent an hour breaking down tips and tricks for coaches of all age levels.

It's only fair that the coaches tried out the drills they'll take back to their own Soccer in the Streets programs. A mixture of school-based, grassroots, and competitive coaches tried out Daniel's techniques, which ranged all the way from quick, individual warmups all the way to scrimmage ideas.

Check out some of the photos from Wednesday night's session at the Howard High School field.