Why are we here?

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SOCCER IN THE STREETS KID

Imagine living a life in which a couple of these scenarios were true…

• You lose your mother before the age of 13
• Your father can't hold down a job and regularly abuses alcohol
• Your family loses everything in a house fire
• You get injured by a stray bullet in the crossfire of a gang war
• Your immediate environment promotes a gangster lifestyle, not education
  

What if ALL of these applied to you? How would you cope?

Darnell did what he does best…play soccer. He was recruited to play with one of the elite clubs in the area. He’s driven almost 40 miles one-way for practice twice a week. He’s become an anchor for his team—a key player.

One of his peers shared this insight about Darnell with their coach:

HE’S GOING TO DO SOMETHING BIG, COACH…I MEAN IF SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS TRYING SO HARD TO KEEP HIM DOWN, THEN HE’S GOING TO DO SOMETHING BIG.

In spite of the travel and commitment—or perhaps because of it—an amazing change has happed… Darnell began the new school year more focused and is performing better than he EVER has. He actually enjoys school now! He has earned the respect and admiration of his peers.

And you see, he’s not just coping anymore. HE’S THRIVING.

And it all started with a ball.

If Darnell has his way, one day…
…you’ll see him in college
…you’ll watch him play in Major League Soccer

For now though, you’ll see him playing and officiating the game that he loves, the game that has given him hope, the game that is preparing him to do something “big.”

If anyone tries to tell you that Soccer In The Streets can’t make a difference, tell them about Darnell, a kid who has ALL the odds stacked against him.