Women In Sports Inspires Younger Generation

This year we celebrated the 35th anniversary of National Girls & Women In Sports Day! This day is held annually to highlight the equal opportunity and the importance of Title IX.

We held a virtual forum for the Soccer in the Streets female athletes where they were able to learn more about this special day. The panelists that spoke on various topics were previous Soccer in the Streets Coach, Nadia Hamrang, Georgia State University, Professor of Sport Administration, Dr. Beth Cianfrone, and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Atlanta Program Officer, Pharlone Toussaint
The topics consisted of how sports have changed their lives as female athletes, what advice would they give to younger female athletes, has access to women sports leadership positions become equitable, along with other empowering topics.

Leading the discussion, Nadia Hamrang focused on how the sports industry and her career changed her life. 

Coach Nadia with SITS players

“I’ve had to learn to be a leader for most of my life and what it means to be a leader,” said Hamrang. “I believe that’s what got me to be where I am in my life and my career. It has made me become a more useful tool when it comes to working with a team and in taking control of my day-to-day life.”

Following the question of how their careers have changed their lives, Pharlone Toussaint, a long-standing member of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, focused on what obstacles and challenges she had to overcome in life and the workplace. 

“I have overcome poverty, racism, and sexism to be in the position I am in today. The sports industry is a highly sought-after place to work in and it is very easy to be rejected or overlooked because I may not be like most of the people that occupy that industry”, said Toussaint. 

Pharlone Toussaint speaking at Laureus Sport For Good Foundation event

“I never believed in playing the part of trying to fit in. I used my unique experiences to show up authentically and make sure I stand out. That attitude has helped me create a lane for myself in the sport for development and allowed me the opportunity to represent groups who are usually not invited to the table in philanthropy and grant-making. I speak from my own experiences as a member of a historically disadvantaged person and I believe it makes all of the work we do better because that voice is represented.” 

Lastly, Professor at Georgia State University, Dr. Beth Cianfrone, gave advice to the female athletes on her personal experiences in the sports industry and as a previous athlete.

Beth Cianfrone volunteering at the Superbowl Event

“I’d encourage girls to work hard and pursue whatever career path (or sport) they are interested in, even if they aren’t sure how to get there”, said Cianfrone. “I followed a career in the sports business industry, which is a male-dominated field, and I didn’t know many people in that industry. I worked hard to learn from those around me and my professors. I think with practice, studying, and preparing, you can put yourself into a position to succeed, no matter what you do.”

This annual National Girls & Women In Sports Day highlights women leaders around the world influencing young athletes to be motivated and empowered in their sport’s industry. Soccer in the Streets supports all the women leaders who shine a light on gender equality. 

Soccer in the Streets staff member gets a mention in the UK New Year's Honors List

Soccer in the Streets staff member gets a mention in the UK New Year's Honors List

Director of Strategic Projects, Sanjay Patel

Over the New Year, Soccer in the Streets Director of Strategic Projects, Sanjay Patel was recognized in the UK New Year’s Honours List by being awarded as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire(MBE) for services to Social Mobility, the promotion of Prosperity and to Education in Atlanta through soccer. This award was mainly in part to Sanjay’s work involving the StationSoccer initiative which was conceptualized back in 2014. 

British Consul General, Andrew Staunton spoke highly about Sanjay and the Soccer in the Streets community.

“I’m delighted that Sanjay’s contribution has been recognized by Her Majesty The Queen,” said Staunton. “He has made a difference in the lives of many through a shared love and passion for football.  Sanjay and those involved with Soccer in the Streets have given the chance to play, live, and learn together.”

Award recipient, Sanjay Patel stated- 

“I am very proud to receive this recognition, in addition, much credit to everyone at Soccer in the Streets, our amazing partners, and the communities we serve. It goes to show the craziest of ideas are possible and if you really believe in something, never give up.”

Today, the StationSoccer project has grown to include four-station projects and there is more to come in the pipeline.

Soccer in the Streets, Executive Director, Phil Hill stated-

“Sanjay has been passionate and worked night and day to make this project happen. It’s fantastic that he’s been recognized, it’s a great accomplishment for him and our organization.”

To learn more about this award, click here

To learn about StationSoccer, click here

Spreading Holiday Cheer With Santa In the Streets

This year has been nothing but normal and we know it has been tough on our kids as we have worked through challenging times. Our kids have been impacted by COVID tremendously but we adapted the best we knew how by providing extra support throughout the year. 

Youth Players with their new gear

With the end of the year approaching and the holiday season, we understand it’s important to give and we are also aware that this holiday season may be one of the bleakest they’ve had with our resources running thin. We wanted to give back to our youth players in a different way with our holiday gift program, Santa in the Streets.

We are thankful to have been gifted sports packs from Dicks Sporting Goods “Gifts of Sport” to share with our youth players! They have been gracious enough to provide over 600 packs to our kids and we know these will be put to good use. These packs consist of high-quality soccer equipment such as a Nike soccer ball, an agility ball, an inflating pump, cones, pair of socks, a jersey, shoestrings, and mini Kwik goals. 

Additionally, APS parents raised over $2,000 for gift cards we are putting in the packs to provide a bit more holiday cheer!

“This is a perfect way to show our kids we care about them through all that we have been through this past year,” said Director of Programs, Tony Carter. “ It has not been easy and to see the smiles on their faces, brings our staff so much happiness.”

“Gifts of Sport “Packs from Dicks Sporting Goods

We have worked hard this year on providing hot meals and educational support to the kids and families so we know it’s now important to keep the kids equipped with soccer gear. That way they stay engaged in soccer activities while they are home for the holidays. 

Our program managers have dedicated their time to step out in their communities, dressed in Santa gear to hand out the sports packs to their youth players. It's simple acts of kindness like this that bring the Soccer in the Streets family even closer! 

“ I am grateful that I am able to receive these gifts!” said, Kap Khan Dal from the Clarkston Boys Program. “These are definitely things I can use over the holiday break and during the upcoming season.”

This is something that we have not been able to do in the past years past and to finally be able to do this makes our Soccer in the Streets staff happy.  It’s important to see smiles on the kid’s faces! We are grateful to have the support from Dicks Sporting  Goods and the APS parents. We hope to continue to work with them in the upcoming year!