Communications 6/12/17 Communications 6/12/17

Soccer in the Streets Announces ATL Nations Cup 2017

Soccer in the Streets announced today the ATL Nations Cup 2017, a fundraising tournament benefiting community programs for thousands of underserved children in metro Atlanta. The tournament, to be held on Sunday, July 30th at Grady Stadium will have the participation of squads representing the United States, Great Britain, Mexico, The Netherlands, Germany, amongst others; a total of 8 teams will see action and compete both on and off the field.

“It’s great seeing so many soccer fanatics from different backgrounds coming together to play,” said Phil Hill, Executive Director. “Having them raise money for such a good cause speaks to what the game is really about.”

ATL Nations Cup is a one-day soccer tournament showcasing the international diversity at the heart of the city, and the mutual love of soccer that unites everyone. With many different cultures represented and the opportunity to learn more about them, this is an incredible community event that features competition and public education, all for a great cause.

All proceeds benefit Soccer in the Streets’ free youth programs in 17 public schools, 8 community programs, and 2 life works program sites - a total of 27 locations - providing social change and education through the beautiful game. Since 2016, Soccer in the Streets has helped over 7,500 kids, and launched the first Homeless Soccer Program in the Atlanta area.

Soccer in the Streets provides access and opportunities to disadvantaged children in urban neighborhoods. Using soccer as the medium, the non-profit has instilled healthy lifestyles and positive choices to thousands of children in the metro Atlanta area. With a holistic approach, the organization centers its programs on character development, life skills, mentoring, and employability. Since its establishment in 1989, Soccer in the Streets ensures all children have a chance to succeed on and off the field.

To sign up or to learn more about the event visit the ATL Nations Cup page.

*The Fundraiser tournament benefits thousands of underserved children in metro Atlanta*

Communications 6/8/17 Communications 6/8/17

Soccer In The Streets and Breakout ATL Tourney A Success

On Saturday, June 3 from 4-7 p.m., social impact trailblazers, Soccer in the Streets and Breakout, successfully hosted the Breakout Atlanta Soccer Tournament at Station Soccer – Five Points. Teams consisted of Breakout’s national conference of leading entrepreneurs, innovators and creators, as well as the sponsors and participants from the 4-day conference — including Coca-Cola, ChooseATL, LVRN, Usher’s New Look and Soccer in the Streets’ children, corporate and creative team.

In the final match, Soccer in the Streets beat Breakout to claim top honors.

Spectators enjoyed an evening full of soccer, live music, and concessions featuring Auntie Anne’s. Puma also gifted the players with its signature arsenal jerseys for the tournament. In the final match, Soccer in the Streets beat Breakout to claim top honors.

“The tournament was a great way for us to bring the community together to experience this innovative project first hand,” said Graham Cohen, co-founder of Breakout. “We wanted to create a memory that we'd all remember - and now we have it. We can't wait for our rematch!”

Hundreds of spectators attended the event, hosted at ‘Station Soccer’ - the first pitch in the world to be built at a transit station. The positive vibe was palpable both on and off the field, with camaraderie between teams and spectators alike. The local community embraced both the youth and social leaders participating in the event, making this public engagement truly special.

“Breakout ATL was a testament to how Station Soccer brings people together through collaboration,” said Sanjay Patel, Soccer in the Streets Board Member. “The diversity, culture and energy the event created was exactly what we strive for at Station Soccer - music and soccer was the glue.”

In the mark of the tournament, the Breakout Foundation presented a $1,250 grant to Soccer in the Streets to help kick-start employability training amongst teenagers engaged in various programs with the local non-profit.

Communications 6/8/17 Communications 6/8/17

Soccer In The Streets Kicks Off The Summer in Style

Soccer in the Streets officially kicked off the summer season, which includes free youth summer camps run by coaches from the International Volunteering Project at Leeds Beckett University.

*Soccer in the Streets is offering free programming this summer in several locations, including youth soccer camps in partnership with Leeds Beckett University - England*

Soccer in the Streets officially kicked off the summer season, which includes free youth summer camps run by coaches from the International Volunteering Project at Leeds Beckett University. Now that the school year has ended, the local non-profit continues to find ways to keep children engaged in positive and healthy activities at no cost.

The metro Atlanta non-profit is running several summer programs until the end of July, targeting communities on the Westside (John Hope Community Center, Vine City, Castleberry Hill, Station Soccer - Five Points, and Homeless Soccer League), East Point (Street Box Pickup), and Clarkston.

"It is so important to stay engaged with our communities after the spring season ends."said Lauren Glancy, Soccer in the Streets' Director of Coaching and Education. "This will ensure consistency and allow our coaches to build lasting relationships with the youth we work with in these neighborhoods."

Throughout the summer, Soccer in the Streets is expecting to work with over 450 children, making it one of the organization's busiest summers yet.

Free Youth Soccer Camps - Leeds Beckett University

Hailing from England, for a second year in a row, students with Leeds Beckett's International Volunteering Projects have picked Soccer in the Streets to conduct their month-long youth soccer camps. The camps, free for youth of all ages, will be running at Station Soccer - Five Points, Brown Middle School, Smyrna Elementary School, Vine City Park, Clarkston Community Center, College Park's Badgett Stadium, Underwood Hills Park and MLK Jr Recreation Center.

"Not one to rest on our laurels, we have an ambitious programming schedule this summer," said Jill Robbins, Soccer in the Streets' Chief Program Officer. "For the many kids that need positive outlets and really want to play soccer - whether they're new to the game or have been playing for years - we want to provide as many opportunities as possible to play, learn and have fun."

Leeds Beckett University coaching staff employ their skills to give back to communities in need, using soccer to break down boundaries, while experiencing cultural diversity.

"The kids give us perspective and are an integral part of our work," said Josh Weekes, Lead Coach for the Leeds Beckett's International Volunteering Team visiting Atlanta. "Throughout June, our team will be delivering coaching sessions in the morning and afternoon to refugee communities - experience the culture Atlanta has to offer and spread the positive image of our university and it's support to SITS in pickup games and workshops."

These young adults utilize this platform to develop their coaching expertise while working on their licensing in England, gaining coaching experience in different environments while working on their employability outlook. However, one thing is clear: their love for soccer and their passion to volunteerism is second to none.

"From just finishing a Sport Development degree, I strongly believe sport is a powerful and unique tool to aid social change and get across other positive messages, as well as learning new transferable skills that can be used elsewhere and not just on the soccer field," said Lewis Whiting, another Leeds Beckett volunteer. "The kids that take part in the programme are just great, they consistently listened and took on board the advice and coaching we provided. Other than the coaching, playing soccer with them was a favourite part of the trip for me."

To sign up to Soccer in the Streets' Summer Programs, visit www.soccerstreetsatl.org

Summer Schedule

Clarkston:

Time frame: May 29th - August 14th