This year has been nothing but normal and we know it has been tough on our kids as we have worked through challenging times. Our kids have been impacted by COVID tremendously but we adapted the best we knew how by providing extra support throughout the year.
Youth Players with their new gear
With the end of the year approaching and the holiday season, we understand it’s important to give and we are also aware that this holiday season may be one of the bleakest they’ve had with our resources running thin. We wanted to give back to our youth players in a different way with our holiday gift program, Santa in the Streets.
We are thankful to have been gifted sports packs from Dicks Sporting Goods “Gifts of Sport” to share with our youth players! They have been gracious enough to provide over 600 packs to our kids and we know these will be put to good use. These packs consist of high-quality soccer equipment such as a Nike soccer ball, an agility ball, an inflating pump, cones, pair of socks, a jersey, shoestrings, and mini Kwik goals.
Additionally, APS parents raised over $2,000 for gift cards we are putting in the packs to provide a bit more holiday cheer!
“This is a perfect way to show our kids we care about them through all that we have been through this past year,” said Director of Programs, Tony Carter. “ It has not been easy and to see the smiles on their faces, brings our staff so much happiness.”
“Gifts of Sport “Packs from Dicks Sporting Goods
We have worked hard this year on providing hot meals and educational support to the kids and families so we know it’s now important to keep the kids equipped with soccer gear. That way they stay engaged in soccer activities while they are home for the holidays.
Our program managers have dedicated their time to step out in their communities, dressed in Santa gear to hand out the sports packs to their youth players. It's simple acts of kindness like this that bring the Soccer in the Streets family even closer!
“ I am grateful that I am able to receive these gifts!” said, Kap Khan Dal from the Clarkston Boys Program. “These are definitely things I can use over the holiday break and during the upcoming season.”
This is something that we have not been able to do in the past years past and to finally be able to do this makes our Soccer in the Streets staff happy. It’s important to see smiles on the kid’s faces! We are grateful to have the support from Dicks Sporting Goods and the APS parents. We hope to continue to work with them in the upcoming year!
