Entrepreneurs In The Making
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 is a prime example 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.
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!
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Over $50,000 raised to support sustainable free youth soccer programs in Atlanta
The 5th annual Soccer in the Streets ATL Nations Cup event was held on Saturday, July 10th at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. ATL Nations Cup sees the city's most passionate soccer fans, representing 8 Nations as they battle it out for the title both on and off the pitch.
Soccer in the Streets holds 5th annual
Nations Cup Tournament
Over $50,000 raised to support sustainable free youth soccer programs in Atlanta
Team Fundraising Champions, Team Germany
The 5th annual Soccer in the Streets ATL Nations Cup event was held on Saturday, July 10th at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. ATL Nations Cup sees the city's most passionate soccer fans, representing 8 Nations as they battle it out for the title both on and off the pitch.
Team Germany came in as the fundraising champion while there was no declared soccer champion due to weather conditions. The event raised over $50,000 breaking the year’s past total.
“This was a huge result for us, not only because of the money raised but also in terms of the number of people who participated,” said Soccer in the Streets Board Member, Bill Ford. “To see such a bounce back from 2020, in our first fundraiser of the year, is hugely encouraging and a testament to the generosity of the Atlanta soccer community.”
Top Individual Fundraiser, Geoffrey Meeker & Soccer in the Streets Board Member, Bill Ford
The tournament helps Soccer in the Streets provide sustainable free youth soccer programs that cultivate change, education, and empower youth. Including school and community programs and leadership development programs. Soccer in the Streets has impacted thousands of kids each year.
The ATL Nations Cup featured teams that represented the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Argentina, Iceland, India, and Germany. Off the pitch, Team Germany’s Captain, Geoffrey Meeker, led his team to raise just shy of $6,200 in the fundraising portion of the event.
“The Atlanta soccer community came through in extraordinary ways on Saturday; the success of the 2021 ATL Nations Cup should be credited to all who participated.” said tournament organizer, Erik Nelson. “Coming out of a stormy year, nobody showed any signs of letting up on or off the pitch even with Mother Nature giving us a bit of a shower. A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated. I look forward to seeing you out there next year!”
If you want to learn more about where your proceeds go click the link here
Garden FC Connects Sport, Nutrition and Community Well-Being
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.
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!
