SCORES Stretches to El Salvador

This past week a handful of SCORES staff descended on El Salvador to run a week of programming at a school in Las Minas, a small village in the rural district of Chalatenango.

Roberto Gil, Director of Programs in West Contra Costa, organized the trip. Gil has returned to his native El Salvador to run soccer and writing classes for the last six years.

“This is not a trip of charity,” Gil announced on the first day in front of fifty eager Las Minas students, ages six through fifteen. “It is one of solidarity.”

Ernesto Efrain Menjivar Alas, the Vice-Principle of Escuela Canton Las Minas, shows a group of students what a "caballero" looks like.

Gil’s words echoed throughout the week as Las Minas students shared their stories, their food, their families, and their beautiful town with visiting SCORES staff. In turn, SCORES organized activities that involved sharing stories, identifying community problems, and creating solutions.

Women's World Cup Viewing Events

In July, SCORES joined the Recreation and Parks Department to host Women’s World Cup viewing events at the Civic Center. While the games played on the big screen, we had face painting, a photo booth, soccer games and clinics, not to mention a great raffle and fun giveaways!

Together with members of the Bay Area community, we watched as the United States and Japan advanced toward the finals, cheering for Sweden, France, England, and others along the way. Although we were sad to see the US women fall to Japan, it was great to see the sportsmanship, positive attitudes, and teamwork displayed by all. 

We can’t wait for the next World Cup-- 2014 in Brazil!

 

Soccer, Spelling and SCORES at Summer Learning Day

On Tuesday, June 21st, we gathered at the Civic Center for the Summer Learning Day!  

Summer Learning Day was established by the city to celebrate programs that continue kids’ learning during the summer. It was hosted by The Summer Learning Network, and coordinated by Mo’ Magic.  

SCORES was joined by many other organizations, including our friend the San Francisco Public Library Bookmobile, and about 800 kids enrolled in summer programs across the city.

Over at the SCORES booth, players of all ages joined us to play soccer and try their hand at word games.  While some dribbled and passed with our coaches, other players found words in a soccer ball and learned about healthy foods. For successfully completing the games, players got to spin our poetry wheel to win some great prizes!

 It was great to see some of our SCORES poet-athletes, and to meet some new faces!

-SCORES staff

SCORES Cup Raises Big Sun, Smiles, Sums

On Saturday, June 18th, 16 Bay Area companies slugged it out for charity during the eighth annual SCORES Cup. Bright sunshine and calm breeze graced the 8v8 Co-ed tournament at normally temperamental Crocker Amazon Park.

"Soccer and sunshine, you can't beat that," noted Vince Harrington of Sports Basement, one of the sponsors of the event. 

SCORES Cup players get a laugh over the tournament bracket match-up.

Players gushed about spending valuable social time outside of the office with co-workers.

"Playing soccer is such a good way to meet people from my company," Jiger Kotak said. "I got to come meet people outside of work that I didn't know because Sales Force is such a big company. It was a good way to meet people from different areas of Sales Force, for different departments to come together and have fun."

SCORES Teams Raise Over $1500 for Japan Relief

Every Spring, SCORES teams tackle a community problem as part of their Service Learning Projects. This Spring, many teams looked outside their local communities to take on global issues and concerns.

Deeply affected by the disaster in Japan, four Bay Area teams worked to raise money as part of a relief effort for Japan's affected citizens.

Combined, SCORES schools raised over $1500 dollars for Japan relief. They did so in many different ways. Cleveland Elementary held a successful car wash. Bret Harte Elementary sold healthy foods, like organic lemonade and fruit, to the school community. Junipero Serra set up "Relief Boxes", along with informative letters about how and why to donate, around their local community and school.

Together, these schools showed how individual efforts can begin to make a big difference in our community and our world.

- SCORES Staff

West Contra Costa May 21st Jammin' Jamboree

Saturday, May 21, 2011 marked West Contra Costa's second Jr. SCORES Jamboree. The day started with a morning of soccer games from local Jr. SCORES teams Ford, Dover, Bayview, Lake, and Grant Elementary Schools and later was followed by an afternoon of activities, music, and fun. While the younger teams were hard at work in their games, WCC's Select Teams participated in a "Shout" -- a scavenger hunt and showcase of their year long community service projects and outreach efforts in their local neighborhoods and schools. A season of dedication to poetry, reading, and soccer was celebrated with entertainment--including a jump house, face painting, raffles, recreational games, and family potlucks. The afternoon was complemented by a fun and educational health workshop led by Health Worker Blanca Sanchez who provided fun games and activities as well as critical health tips. Family members of all ages, as well as soccer players, enjoyed physical activities like hoola hooping while simultaneously learning about nutritious and wholesome diets. The event was brought to a close as coaches and players were recognized for their endless spirit and commitment during the 2011 season.

One Season in the Books

Last Saturday 11 teams of San Francisco Junior SCORES players and their families celebrated the end of their first soccer season at the Junior Jamboree. The event featured a round-robin style tournament, face painting, games and prizes, team picnics, awards presentations and more.

The San Francisco Library Bookmobile was on hand to check out books to the 197 student-athletes who came on board.  At the end of the event 2^nd graders pledged to move on to the 3^rd-5^th grade program. 1^st graders were thrilled to learn they had at least 4 years of SCORES ahead of them.

Congratulations Juniors on earning your first trophies!

-Marty Mannion
Jr. SCORES Program Manager

It's Not Soccer, It's "Pelada"

We're piloting a new recess program at SCORES during the last few weeks of the school year. And by "program" we really mean pick-up soccer, possibly the most universal and simple game on earth.

We're calling these pick-up sessions "Pelada", a Portuguese word that Brazilians use to refer to pick-up soccer. In Portuguese, Pelada means naked.

The game is easy to set up, easy to run, and the rules are simple. We've added a few unique twists of the rules to minimize disagreements, keep the game flowing, and keep the fun levels at a maximum. For example, we don't keep score. Teams are encouraged to restart the game immediately after a goal.

Field Day with Stub Hub at Marshall Elementary

Sixteen volunteers from Stub Hub, the ticket-selling juggernaut, helped run a mini-Field Day at Marshall Elementary in the Mission last Friday.

Some Marshall Elementary kids take cuts as part of an Obstacle Course run by Stub Hub volunteers.

"Stub Hubbers", as Stub Hub employees are known, ran such games as a Relay Race Obstacle Course, a Kids vs. Adults soccer game, and Blob Tag.

SCORES Soccer Director Morales Nets One for the Earthquakes

Our own Yuri Morales scored a goal for the San Jose Earthquakes Reserve team in Saturday's 3-1 win over Chivas USA. Morales, who came on as a substitute, scored the third goal in the 84th minute.

The Earthquakes, struggling offensively early in the season, are looking for more offensive firepower.  Morales could be a versatile signing for the team as Morales could play in the midfield or up front.

Check out the full game write-up.

Meet Our National Poetry Slammers! Part 2

Meet our two poet-athletes representing San Francisco at the National Poetry Slam in New York City: Xitlaly and Selascie! The National Poetry slam is today at the historic Apollo theatre.

Selascie Smith and Xitlaly Martinez, Bay Area representatives at the America SCORES National Poetry Slam, pose for a future album cover at a Game Day this Spring.

Xitlaly Martinez
5th Grade, ER Taylor Elementary School

Xitlaly finds inspiration for her poetry from the music she listens to and from her parents ... her heroes. When she grows up, Xitlaly plans to work as a scientist to develop medical cures.

This year Xitlaly is focusing on doing well in school and enjoying her time on the soccer field. She thanks her SCORES coach, Manny Anaya, for being a great coach and mentor to her and her team. Xitlaly is very proud to represent San Francisco and her teammates from ER Taylor in her first trip to New York City!


Selascie Smith
4th Grade, Junipero Serra Elementary School

Even when Selascie isn't playing his favorite sport of soccer, he still loves to be outside. He draws inspiration for his poetry from everyday life, from what he learns at school, and what he reads in the newspaper. Selascie is also inspired by his hero Martin Luther King Jr. 

Selascie has many talents and interests, one of which is being a sports announcer. Watch out...he could be the next announcer for his San Francisco Giants!

Meet Our National Poetry Slammers! Part I

Four  students have been chosen to represent the Bay Area at the National SCORES Poetry Slam in New York City. A week from today these students will perform their original poems on stage at the historic Apollo Theatre.

Meet our two representatives from West Contra Costa in the East Bay:

Nayeli Cuiriz Galvan, Grant Elementary 

Ask anyone on the Grant SCORES Girls team, “Who is someone on their team who is always positive and full of energy?”… Hands down they will all cheer … NAYELI!! 

Nayeli is a bright and exuberant student who loves to play soccer with her SCORES team.  She especially enjoys performing in front of an audience and is so excited to perform her poetry on the big stage at the Apollo Theatre.

When Nayeli grows up she aspires to be a veterinarian. She is so thankful for the strong support and love of her family.

Christian Gomez, Grant Elementary

Christian is a motivated young man who loves challenges and always pursues opportunities to succeed and to grow. When he heard about the audition to represent SCORES at this National Slam, Christian jumped at the opportunity.

At his school, Grant Elementary, and on his team, Christian exhibits strong leadership everyday and is known by his peers as “the peacemaker". During this trip, Christian looks forward to meeting other SCORES kids from across the country and to explore New York City!

First Game Day of the Spring

On Saturday, SCORES had its first Game Day of the Spring season at Boxer Stadium, a new venue for SCORES parents and players. The 6,000 seat stadium, in Balboa Park, is normally reserved for the premier soccer clubs in the area.

Many SCORES players couldn't stop smiling while playing on grass at Boxer Stadium.

Help Us Save Service!

For those who didn't know, the United States Congress is considering legislation to cut funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service budget.

The budget cuts threaten service providers like Americorps, Playworks, Teach for America, Habitat for Humanity, Senior Companions, YouthBuild and many others that support youth development, education, elderly services, healthcare and nutrition. For organizations like SCORES, which depend on the staff that Americorps helps provide, cutting the above jobs would undercut the reach and quality of programs.

Service jobs exist to help those who need it most. They support America's most in-need public schools. They help combat costly problems by providing at-risk youth a safe and engaging place to play. They help build homes and infrastructure. They help serve the elderly when no other programs do.

If you want to help, please tell Congress that we cannot afford to lose the critical services that these programs provide in our communities. You can sign up today at www.saveservice.org to visit your local congressional district office on Friday, February 25th, to tell your Member of Congress how you feel.

Do you care? Do you want to help us save Service? If so, act! If not, why not? 

-SCORES Staff

Winter Brings Games Inside Western Addition

This winter, Jr. SCORES Game Days were split between two sites: Brett Harte Elementary in Bayview and the Buchanan YMCA in the Western Addition. Using two host sites created a local flavor to Game Days that appealed to both parents and kids.

Jr. players shake hands before playing at the Buchanan YMCA

Western Addition parents especially appreciated the quick travel time to the Buchanan YMCA.

"It’s easier here to walk because we live right down the road," Savannah Thompson, parent of two Cobb Elementary students, said. "It’s fun for the kids because they can ride their scooters here."

SCORES Featured on YouthNoise

In December, YouthNoise published an extensive interview with our former Education Director, Robert Joseph. This interview escaped our grasp for a few months. But we thought we'd share it now, better late than never, as it stands as a succinct summary of SCORES' purpose, programs, and impact.

Find the interview by clicking HERE!

YouthNoise is an organization that encourages youth voice. As their website states, YouthNoise "empowers young leaders to act for the causes they care about locally, nationally and globally." If you haven't heard of them, check them out.

Coach Profile of the Month: Marco Bonilla, Soccer Coach with Brett Harte Elementary

Marco Bonilla has been a coach with America SCORES Bay Area for all ten years of the organization's existence. He also works as a Para-Professional at Brett Harte Elementary.

Marco outside of Brett Harte Elementary

Q: How did you get involved in SCORES?
A: I was working for the school district as a teacher at Brett Harte. I like working with kids. And when the program started, ten years ago, I thought it was a great opportunity for the kids to do both poetry and soccer ... And through the years, the kids have loved it.

Q: What is the best part of SCORES?
A: I think SCORES is one of the best things to ever happen to this school and a lot of the community. It's a nice experience being with the kids, being with their families every Saturday for Game Days, being part of their life, and really enjoying what I do.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Twenty-four years ago in Washington, D.C. the premier of National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrated the participation, success and accomplishments of girls and women athletes. What started as as a single event to honor Olympic volleyball star Flo Hyman has grown into a nationwide celebration across all 50 states.

On February 2, 2011, thousands gathered to celebrate NGWSD 2011 and "Play, Believe, Achieve," including our own SCORES female athletes from Redding Elementary.   Soccer Director Yuri Morales and Coach Fong escorted the Redding girls through the Tenderloin District to attend a match-up with two other local after-school female sports teams.  Team-Up For Youth organized this event at Salvation Army Kroc Center as part of their initiative "Team-Up for Girls."

Jrs. Are "Playmakers" in Training This Winter

In SCORES, Playmakers are students who make play fun and safe for themselves and for everyone around them. They play for fun, play fair, and play as a team.

A Junipero Serra Jr. reads from the "Playmaker" Curriculum

In the Winter Storytime Curriculum, Junior SCORES participants meet Playmakers from the familiar playground, faraway countries and cultures, and even the animal planet. Stories in the Winter curriculum are helping Juniors think about how they can become Playmakers on the soccer field, playground, and beyond.

New SCORES Curriculum Teaches Anti-Violence Through Hip Hop

Violence is a serious problem in our urban communities and schools. Our innovative Hip Hop for Health program seeks to reduce aggressive behavior in youth by teaching them a variety of conflict resolution strategies.

Through hip hop themed listening and writing activities, scenario analysis, and role playing games, students learn to recognize negative behavior and identify positive alternatives. The program also helps students improve their literacy skills, public speaking ability and overall self-esteem.

I'm most excited to see the team skit final project the students will create and perform for their after-school communities that will contain an example of conflict resolution, hip hop music and a few fun props.

-Robert Joseph
Former Education Director with America SCORES Bay Area. 

*Sadly, Robert left the SCORES team to pursue an opportunity with the Bechtel Group. He left a legacy of innovative and interactive curricula, most of which have a hip hop flavor.