Boston, MA, USA

Boston, MA, USA is an SWB seasonal program

Program Background:

Soccer Without Borders began programming in East Boston, MA in February of 2012.  Historically a first point of entry for immigrants into the Boston Metro area, today the neighborhood is 75% Latino.  The participants that take part in SWB Boston program reflect this demographic.  Since its founding, SWB Boston has partnered with the Let's Get Movin' Program of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC).  Let's Get Movin' is a special program of the EBNHC, providing nutrition education and exercise opportunities to youth at-risk for childhood obesity.  SWB Boston is made up of Let's Get Movin' participants as well as youth from the East Boston community at-large who are recruited through referrals at the East Boston Ecumenical Council, East Boston Harborside Community School and word of mouth.

Program Description:

SWB Boston works with boys and girls ages 7-12.  In the most recent season (Spring 2013) over 90 youth signed up to participate in weekly programming.  Both age groups (7-9 and 10-12) practice two times a week and participate in special activities ranging from field days to contract making to writing pen pals to peers at other SWB programs.  Regular programming at SWB Boston takes place during the fall and spring seasons.  Outside of these seasons, SWB Boston hosts additional community outreach programs every year including: the East Boston World Cup, Global Peace Games and summer soccer clinics in collaboration with Let's Get Movin' and Boston Centers for Youth and Families.

Program Partners

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (Program, Outreach)

Stars of Massachusetts (Equipment)

Program Staff

Lindsey Whitford, SWB Boston Director: lindsey@soccerwithoutborders.org

Rachel Belgrade, Head Coach

Nipheannaboth Long, Head Coach

Recent Highlights

SWB Boston celebrates Global Peace Games