Soccer in the Streets was founded over 30 years ago to address issues of social equity in sport - problems that are once again being brought to attention through the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Chestnut Family Foundation strives to ensure all children have access to resources that enable them to be healthy, develop self-confidence, and enjoy life. We want to give a special thanks to The Chestnut Family Foundation who have stepped up in a big way to help ensure Soccer in the Streets can continue to support our families as we all strive to create stronger, more equitable communities.
The Chestnut Family Foundation’s support of our COVID-response projects is allowing us to continue impacting the health and well-being of our players. We have distributed nearly 1,500 hot meals and over 500 soccer balls through our “Slices and Strikes” project ensuring our kids receive a hot meal and a soccer ball to stay active while school is out. Our “At Home Skills” initiative links players with their coaches through creative writing and soccer skills sessions and we’ve helped the Westside Future Fund distribute over 900 bags of free groceries on the Westside.
Beyond their short-term support of our COVID-related projects, the Foundation's support also extends to our StationSoccer youth programs. Their contribution will help us continue working to eliminate the affordability and transportation issues that limit access to sport for so many people.
Teresa Chestnut one of the Foundation’s Trustees commented: “We are very grateful to Soccer in the Streets for providing us with a means to help those most in need during the COVID-19 crisis. We are delighted to play a small part in the groundbreaking StationSoccer programs. Our Foundation is focused on improving choices for the children in our city and state who do not have access to the resources available to others. Black Lives Matter and other organizations have dramatically brought into focus how much more there is to do. Ensuring equality of opportunity for every child is essential for our society to be healthy.”
“We are so fortunate to have the Chestnut Family Foundation supporting what we do. Teresa and Ben are a shining light of how a local family foundation can make a positive difference in our communities,” said Phil Hill, Executive Director of Soccer in the Streets. “From the first meeting we had, it was abundantly clear that they care for youth and want to level the playing field for their success.”
We will continue to strive for positive change and provide ways for youth to live and play in a safe and caring community. We appreciate the support from our partner as we work together to create meaningful change in our communities.