Soccer in the Streets (SITS) has an influential group of fifteen board members that help push the organization forward to impact youth in Atlanta. This year we added two more board members and we are excited for our supporters to learn more about them. Today we highlight Nyema Johnson. A mother, and teacher, Mrs. Johnson has been a SITS supporter for nine years in various capacities and her five children have participated and learned first hand from the program in the Southside.
As an organization, we pride ourselves on being more than just a soccer club but a safe space and a type of community for others to join.
Board Member, Nyema Johnson
“I want to become a board member because I am more aware of the daily blessings afforded by God to be able to benefit from something and pass on the benefits. Even though this is one of the busiest times in my life, my faith in God has allowed me to see that it is not enough to just receive but to give is even greater,” said Mrs. Johnson “All in all, my family and I have benefited tremendously from SITS and it is my privilege to serve and reciprocate that service.”
Mr. Johnson was born in Philadelphia, PA, and moved to the south and attended Tuskegee Unversity. She later moved to Atlanta and a friend told her about SITS. She and her husband attended practice and later met Jill Robbins who at the time was and still is an influential part of the organization. Nine years later, they are still supporting the organization.
There were so many reasons why Mrs. Johnson wanted her children to be a part of the organization. She felt that it was more than just a soccer club.
The Kids of the Johnson Family
“My children have developed in other areas as well. I distinctly remember days when one of my children needed to finish an assignment and I would let Jill know that they won’t be practicing because they needed to finish their assignment before being able to practice,” said Mrs. Johnson. “Unquestionably, she supported us and encouraged them to make school a priority. I rarely hear of organizations that actually do this, even if they say, “Your education is important.”
As part of the organization, Zuriel and Zoey Johnson joined the referee apprenticeship program. They knew they were starting off young but that didn’t stop them from giving it a shot.
“Again, Jill granted Zoey (16) and Zuriel (17) their first “real” jobs as Apprentice Referees. Even though they were pretty young she saw their potential and worked alongside them for many years to help them advance in their skills as referees,” said Mrs. Johnson. “She is doing the same for Zion (12). Additionally, Southside Program Manager, Ulric Alsobrook has done the same as far as allowing Zuriel and Zoey to sharpen their skills as coaches. This also gives them a sense of responsibility to give back to the community as well.”
As an organization we know the off the fieldwork is extremely important as the youth players can learn from the program managers. The importance of this is that we are not only a soccer club but a community.
Zion Johnson , SITS referee apprentice
“It has been a joy to see more families join and extend their gratitude for the organization. I think recently, I have been more encouraged by how SITS handled the “off the field” interactions with the players and their families,” said Mrs. Johnson “From providing physical resources to providing virtual assignments at home, I have seen a true effort to act on the behalf of the families.”
She also commented - “Even more, I’ve had the privilege of moderating a couple of forums directly dealing with the injustice of African Americans, racism and police brutality. Additionally, per the student’s and parents’ suggestions, we were able to do a couple more forums highlighting “African American/Black Excellence.” These have been successful and attended well. Last, we are in the process of developing a homework helpline for any parents and students that may need additional support during these unprecedented times. Again, SITS is more than a soccer club and I am thankful that we have had the privilege to experience nine years of continued growth.”
We are thankful to have Mrs. Johnson join the board to give her perspective as a Soccer in the Streets parent. She will be a key asset as she is part of the Southside community. And she is also able to be knowledgeable about the program’s outcomes. Over the past months during the pandemic, Mrs. Johnson has even put in extra effort and worked with the southside program on the virtual learning forums.
“I have spent many hours with parents and players. I am a firm believer that no one person is enough to help any organization reach its fullest potential. It takes a collection of diverse voices. I personally would love to lend my voice and skills to the organization,” said Mrs. Johnson “My presence and proximity is a way that I can continue to contribute to the organization to the best of my ability, given the unusual circumstances. Overall, I want to be utilized in the best way that’s possible and where there is a true need.”
