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Grant to Fund Innovative Programming That Keeps Teens in the Game
CAMBRIDGE, MA – Soccer Without Borders today announced it has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the national model for sports-based youth development programs in underserved communities. This grant is intended to fund key components within Soccer Without Borders programs that ensure participant retention into the teen years, particularly trauma-informed coach training, monitoring & evaluation, and transportation. Soccer Without Borders was one of four organizations to receive a grant.
“Soccer Without Borders programs serve newcomer refugee and immigrant youth, many of whom are arriving to the United States during the critical teen years, making it even that more challenging to adjust, build a support network, and thrive,” said Co-Founder Mary McVeigh Connor. “Decisions during the teen years have lasting consequences; a strong community of peer support and caring mentors can be a life-changer. We are tremendously grateful to the U.S. Soccer Foundation for supporting our capacity to offer high quality coaching and mentorship to our high school-aged participants, and address barriers to retention.”
Soccer Without Borders (SWB) currently has year-round, team-based programs for middle and high school aged newcomer youth (boys and girls) in five regions nationally: Greater Boston, Greater Baltimore, the Bay Area, Greater Seattle, and Northern Colorado.
This grant was awarded as part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s annual Program Grants. Each year, the Foundation identifies one specific category or theme in the sports-based youth development field, and seeks to support organizations that are related to such categories. The U.S. Soccer Foundation awarded grants this year to organizations that are working to address the alarming drop-off rate in teenage participation in sports.
About Soccer Without Borders
Soccer Without Borders is a 501(c)(3) organization that uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change, providing under-served youth with a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion, and personal success. The recipient of the 2017 U.S. Soccer Foundation Impact Award, SWB directly serves over 2,000 youth annually through a year-round, team-based model. Through soccer, education, and community-building activities, SWB youth advance academically, develop personally, build social capital, make healthy choices, and gain English language skills.
Media Contact:
Emily Humphries, Soccer Without Borders, Emily@soccerwithoutborders.org, 857-264-0097