Access to healthy food is a critical component in the well-being of young players and the communities within which they live. Our youth players have been getting their hands dirty with an off-the-field pilot project called “Garden FC” designed to help the next generation discover a healthier lifestyle.
Over the past year, Garden FC has taken off in Clarkston becoming a luscious half-acre of green space filled with veggies. This project kicked off with a helping hand from a SITS friend and local gardener, Ralph MacDonald. He has supported the youth players alongside Clarkston Program Manager, Toussaint McClure, and Special Projects, Jill Robbins.
Kids building the garden bed
“It's empowering watching all of this unfold,” said Robbins. “We have been working hard with the youth players to show the importance of ownership when it comes to the upkeep of their field and garden. It's empowering watching this all unfold. ”
The space transformed from overgrown kudzu and grass to a beautiful space as the garden grew and more youngsters and community members became involved. Local Atlanta United supporter group, Footie Mob, has graciously been working with the kids throughout the year
“This project is great because we’re providing a place for the kids to learn and grow, as well as create bonds with other young adults, and the community as a whole,” said Footie Mob Member, Amy Edgar. “ Most of all, they’ll be able to play the sport they love in a beautiful and safe environment.”
New and improved Clarkston Garden
Recently, the Garden FC project expanded to the West End where Westside Program Manager, Sean Iriving, and local West End resident, Coach Kwame Uhuru, of the Willie North Institute For Art and Agriculture have been leading the youth players through their garden project. They both realized that during the pandemic the access to fresh food was scarce. And it was important for them to show the kids that they are able to grow their own food right in their backyard.
Coach Kwame and Sean were fortunate enough to be a part of the HABESHA Work program where they learned about horticulture. They have taken their knowledge to their own community garden and given the kids opportunities to learn.
Coach Kwame helping kids plant the vegetables
Coach Kwame and his passion for a healthy lifestyle really inspired him to pursue this project in his spare time.
“As a kid, I learned about horticulture from my parents and great grandfather. This has been instilled in me for a long time,” said Kwame. “This project is extra special to me because I not only am a peer for these youth players but for my 6-year-old son who is a part of the West end program and the garden project. I’m able to give back and it means more to me than they know.”
The educational piece is also a key component of the project. Each week Sean and Kwame share valuable knowledge with the Westside families by sending out emails about what vegetable they are focusing on that week. Each vegetable shows the kids what kind of nutrients are inside and how they benefit their bodies.
“The next generation needs to be educated on what it takes to live a sustainable lifestyle,” said Kwame. “Not only is this educational but for the kids to feel that they are a part of the community that cares. This space has grown from an empty piece of land by a train station to something truly beautiful.”
Garden FC has shown the power of connecting sport, nutrition, and community well-being. But it needs your help! From physical labor to keep the gardens in tip-top shape to funds needed for equipment and supplies, this is a great way for you to help make a positive impact on our players’ lives!
