Our youth soccer players put forth a lot of effort during their time at Soccer in the Streets. We work to help them discover their full potential on and off the field. Elvis Niyokwizera and Phil Jackson are prime examples of just that.
Elvis is originally from Tanzania and moved to the states when he was 7 years old. He then found Soccer in the Streets, which was the only affordable program he could play for that was within walking distance from his home.
He started at the Clarkston program when he was 15 years old and played until he graduated from Clarkston High School. While Elvis spent his time at the organization, he was also involved in the referee program.
Elvis while playing at Soccer in the Streets
““I enjoyed participating in this program because it taught me leadership skills and how to look at the game differently. I wouldn’t have been able to be in this type of program at other soccer clubs.””
A fellow teammate and member of the Clarkston Community, Phil Jackson, who also graduated from Clarkston High School, was involved in the Soccer in the Streets youth program and referee program now attends Campbellsville University.
“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Clarkston High School had a 61% graduation rate with an extraordinarily diverse student population and only 39% of that student population pursued a college degree. Of our participants who attend CHS, 95% graduated and are continuing to pursue post-secondary education or job training.
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Phil while playing at Soccer in the Streets
Our mission at Soccer in the Streets is to provide safe spaces for students from diverse backgrounds to develop as athletes, leaders, and change agents in their communities. It's essential that we guide these players down a pathway that sets them up for success in multiple areas of their lives - sport, career readiness, academics, and leadership development.
Both Elvis and Phil have proven the importance of our work. These two leaders are embarking on lifelong journeys of success as well as leaving an undeniable legacy in the Clarkston community for the next generation to follow.
After Elvis graduated from high school and left Soccer in the Streets, he furthered his career at Campbellsville University, an NAIA Division I school studying for his Business/Sports Management degree. Elvis achieved an academic scholarship and walked onto the men's soccer team. He has been with the soccer program for two years now and will be entering his junior year this upcoming fall season.
“I have worked hard to get to where I am and am thankful to be able to play on the team and keep playing soccer,” said Elvis. “It’s been a great experience so far and this past year we clinched the 2020 Regional Division Championship!”
Elvis at Campbellsville University
After graduating college Elvis hopes to own his own business one day, travel the world, and coach youth soccer.
“It has been a dream of mine to travel and be able to do the things I want to do,” said Elvis. “I also want to coach for a youth club and give back to the kids in the community. I know how important soccer has been for me growing up.”
Elvis and Phil have been gracious enough to come home throughout the summers and play with the younger Clarkston youth players and show them what it takes to be at the level he’s at now.
““If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to take every moment and opportunity you get seriously if that’s with soccer or a job. And when meeting someone always has a great first impression because you never know when it could be the last.””
We're thrilled to see two of our young players progress in their profession both on and off the field. We wish both of these players the best of luck in the future!