By Yuri Morales
Program Director
As a life-long soccer player, I know first-hand the benefits of being part of a team. Lunchtime soccer games in elementary and middle school offered a space where I felt comfortable. I knew the rules of the game. This was not always the case in social situations, where I sometimes felt awkward. Soccer gave me chances to make friends, opportunities to gain leadership skills, and incentives to show up to school every day and do well. If we at America SCORES can create an environment that promotes similar experiences for our students, I think we are on the right track.
At a recent Saturday Game Day a school site director approached me and pointed out two students walking toward the field together. They were cheerfully chatting with each other, wearing their matching America SCORES adidas uniforms. The two comrades looked up, spotted the rest of their team, and took off on a dead sprint to join their teammates. The site director explained that they were coming from a sleep-over, an uncommon occurrence prior to forming an America SCORES team at their school. Seeing this happy pair of friends and hearing this story brought back fond memories of my childhood soccer teams. To these student-athletes, as it was for me, soccer is more than just a game. It is a hub, a catalyst for building friendships and community.
In addition to building relationships, America SCORES can help students become more responsible and engaged in school. America SCORES partner school sites make sure students understand that participating in the program is a privilege. Coaches and teachers set achievable expectations and use their love of soccer to encourage students to achieve their goals in the classroom and develop leadership skills.
One America SCORES poet-athlete, “Jerry”, is a bright, charismatic 5th grader. He is a leader on and off the field. However, school has never been easy for Jerry. He has a fiery temper and it is difficult for him to stay quiet and sit still in class. What is clear, though, is that his passion for soccer and the respect he has for his coach help keep Jerry focused. He never misses a Saturday Game Day and always shows up early with his little brother, who plays on the school’s 1st and 2nd grade team. After his game, Jerry stays at the field for the rest of the day watching the other teams play, waiting for his brother’s Junior SCORES game. Last week, for the first time, he volunteered to referee his brother’s game. Jerry was in complete control of the game. He whistled fouls confidently and helped teach the younger players the rules and intricacies of the game.
Providing kids with opportunities to cultivate friendships and become leaders in their community can give them the cultural capital they need to succeed in a competitive society. Leadership and social awareness are characteristics that college recruiters and employers seek. Soccer is more than just a game; it is a powerful tool that, when used in the right way, can help young people mature into role-models, mentors, and well-rounded citizens.
Program Director
As a life-long soccer player, I know first-hand the benefits of being part of a team. Lunchtime soccer games in elementary and middle school offered a space where I felt comfortable. I knew the rules of the game. This was not always the case in social situations, where I sometimes felt awkward. Soccer gave me chances to make friends, opportunities to gain leadership skills, and incentives to show up to school every day and do well. If we at America SCORES can create an environment that promotes similar experiences for our students, I think we are on the right track.
At a recent Saturday Game Day a school site director approached me and pointed out two students walking toward the field together. They were cheerfully chatting with each other, wearing their matching America SCORES adidas uniforms. The two comrades looked up, spotted the rest of their team, and took off on a dead sprint to join their teammates. The site director explained that they were coming from a sleep-over, an uncommon occurrence prior to forming an America SCORES team at their school. Seeing this happy pair of friends and hearing this story brought back fond memories of my childhood soccer teams. To these student-athletes, as it was for me, soccer is more than just a game. It is a hub, a catalyst for building friendships and community.
In addition to building relationships, America SCORES can help students become more responsible and engaged in school. America SCORES partner school sites make sure students understand that participating in the program is a privilege. Coaches and teachers set achievable expectations and use their love of soccer to encourage students to achieve their goals in the classroom and develop leadership skills.
One America SCORES poet-athlete, “Jerry”, is a bright, charismatic 5th grader. He is a leader on and off the field. However, school has never been easy for Jerry. He has a fiery temper and it is difficult for him to stay quiet and sit still in class. What is clear, though, is that his passion for soccer and the respect he has for his coach help keep Jerry focused. He never misses a Saturday Game Day and always shows up early with his little brother, who plays on the school’s 1st and 2nd grade team. After his game, Jerry stays at the field for the rest of the day watching the other teams play, waiting for his brother’s Junior SCORES game. Last week, for the first time, he volunteered to referee his brother’s game. Jerry was in complete control of the game. He whistled fouls confidently and helped teach the younger players the rules and intricacies of the game.
Providing kids with opportunities to cultivate friendships and become leaders in their community can give them the cultural capital they need to succeed in a competitive society. Leadership and social awareness are characteristics that college recruiters and employers seek. Soccer is more than just a game; it is a powerful tool that, when used in the right way, can help young people mature into role-models, mentors, and well-rounded citizens.
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