Dreams become a reality for two Clarkston FC players this summer. Elvis and Phil of the Clarkston FC U19 Boys team found out they both will be attending Campbellsville University in the Fall of 2019. After being a part of the in the Soccer in the Streets (SITS) program for over seven years, these two athletes have fulfilled a goal they set years ago as youngsters.
As a native of Tanzania, Elvis, moved to Georgia at the beginning of his childhood. He has followed his passion for the sport through the Soccer in the Streets organization. As an athlete, he has dreamed to one day become a professional soccer player. Playing at the collegiate level is the next step along his pathway.
“It means a lot to me to graduate high school and attend college,” said Elvis. “ I will be the first one in my family to attend college and I want to set an example for my younger siblings as well as my teammates.”
Elvis has become a leader for his Clarkston FC team by making an impact on others by his words and actions. His advice to the younger generation is to never give up, no matter what life throws your way.
A fellow teammate and member of the Clarkston Community, Phil, will also be attending Campbellsville. Phil, too, has a dream of becoming a professional soccer player.
“I have dreamt ever since I was in middle school to pursue a soccer career and I hope to keep that momentum moving forward,” said Phil. “After college, I plan to come back to the SITS program and donate my time to help the youth of the program. I have a passion for the game and want to show others that they can pursue their goals as well.”
To keep them closer to the game as well learn a skill, both Elvis and Phil enrolled in the SITS Referee Program, established to provide work readiness skills. To date, 20 players have enrolled in the program. Both players learned how to officiate matches and earned their USSF certification.
In addition, they learned other life skills like how to manage people, time management and financial literacy. The program works hard to ensure that the young officials are well prepared, whether it's working within the SITS leagues or for other associations and competitions.
By being a part of this program, the younger players look up to the future collegiate players as they lead by example, both on and off the pitch. For Phil, becoming certified has helped him connect better with the game as well as learning what it means to be a professional official.
Soccer in the Streets strives to impact the lives of youth on and off the soccer field. Guiding players down the right path and supporting them on their journey of life is just a small part of the mission the organization abides by.
