Oakland, CA, USA
Oakland, CA is an SWB core program
Program Background:
SWB Oakland creates positive team communities for recently arrived refugee and immigrant youth. Harnessing the power of soccer as a universal language, the Oakland program engages newcomer, English Language Learning youth from more than 20 countries. As youth adjust to their new and often difficult circumstances, their SWB team provides an avenue for positive engagement. In a safe and supportive environment, youth build meaningful friendships, community connections and powerful mentor/mentee relationships, which play an important role in their successful integration into their new lives in the US.
Program Description:
SWB Oakland runs five teams, serving more than 135 students throughout the year (boys U14, U17 and U19 and girls U14 and U19). Each team practices twice a week and plays games on weekends as part of the Alameda Contra Costa Youth Soccer League and the Albany-Berkeley Soccer Club. The three high-school aged teams serve students at Oakland International High School (OIHS). The student population at OIHS is made up of youth from 31 different countries that speak 29 distinct languages. One hundred percent of the students are English Language Learners. SWB works closely with OIHS leadership and teachers to build a program that positively contributes to a healthy school culture and meets broader school objectives. Middle school participants come from five different Oakland middle schools.
In addition to regular practices and games, youth in the program participate in special events throughout the year; including team camping trips to Northern California's beautiful state parks, trips to watch the San Jose Earthquakes, service learning days, off-field lessons and workshops, and participation the Global Peace Games.
Program Partners:
International Rescue Committee
Oakland Fund for Children and Youth
Oakland International High School
Oakland Unified School District – Department of Transitional Students and Families
The Stern Family Foundation
Program Staff:
Ben Gucciardi, Program Director, ben@soccerwithoutborders.org
Shea Morrissey, Coach
Christy Peterson, Coach
Indar Smith, Program Coordinator and Coach Across America, indar@soccerwithoutborders.org
Ye-Htet Soe, Coach Across America, tet@soccerwithoutborders.org
Recent Highlights:
Feature by OIHS Students for KDOL TV
From Infancy to an All Inclusive Environment by Shea Morrissey
Outdoor Education: Visiting Slide Ranch