At 38, what does life look like after a storied career and a graceful exit?  We hope that Beckham continues to commit time and effort to encourage children to embrace the game of soccer and all the lessons it has to offer.  It was only last year that the Foundation shared a memorable moment with Beckham and his teammates at President Obama’s LA Galaxy White House Event.  Beckham and the rest of the LA Galaxy, along with the President and First Lady, charmed and inspired Soccer for Success participants while speaking to them about the health benefits of staying fit on the soccer field. Prior to that event, Beckham attended our 2008 New York Gala, and made appearances at FC Harlem, one of our thriving Soccer for Success partners.

At the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we rely on the wattage of stars like David Beckham, Todd Dunivant, Cobi Jones, Angela Hucles, Christie Rampone, Claudio Reyna and others to shine a spotlight on programs that provide social change through soccer.  Professional players and their ability to connect with people of all ages on and off the field can do a world of good for organizations like ours.  We wish the best to Beckham in his retirement, and look forward to seeing more of his philanthropic efforts, even if we can no longer witness his masterful skills on the field.

This is not a sympathy piece to defend these foundations and nonprofits. Any organization that has been created to finance costs that go beyond their charitable goals should be criticized and condemned. They waste resources and embellish an athlete’s public image at the sake of helping those in need. However, my concern is that people misunderstand or underestimate the difficulty of running a successful nonprofit or foundation today. Success in the nonprofit world can be as tough and complex as any industry, especially if the personnel are unable to devote the necessary resources to the organization.

Many foundations and nonprofits, like the U.S. Soccer Foundation, have thrived  because they have carefully and thoughtfully crafted specific goals and then diligently worked towards achieving those goals. Additionally, through my work and interactions with other nonprofit organizations, I have found that one secret to the success of a nonprofit or foundation lies in how they mobilize every sector of the world they touch – government, business, and the public – to be a force for social change. In other words, greatness may have more to do with how nonprofits and foundations work outside the boundaries of their organizations than with how they manage day-to-day internal operations. Unfortunately, it seems that many of the nonprofit organizations that have recently been called into question suffer from problems such as having an inadequate board of directors, spending a disproportionate amount  of money on unnecessary expenses, or failing to hire a qualified staff.

It is easy to point fingers and accuse any failed nonprofit of being fraudulent or dishonest, but that may unjustly oversimplify the issue. These organizations and the people who found or lead them want to solve many of the biggest problems plaguing our world; this is the rule and not the exception. The fear, however, is that the necessary time and resources are not being utilized to solve these problems. The unfortunate truth is that many of the people running these organizations lack the knowledge and/or experience to raise money and spend it wisely, to advocate confidently and clearly, and to organize and execute effective programs.

From my personal experience, I have seen how the U.S. Soccer Foundation works tirelessly to enhance, assist, and grow the sport of soccer in the United States. Its success, along with many other nonprofit organizations, is a testament to the hard work of its leadership and staff, its effective board of directors, and its attentive and focused vision. Achieving success in this field cannot be overstated, and changing the discussion from failures to the accomplishments in the field of sports nonprofit organizations and foundations is the first step in leading others towards similar achievement.  

Despite the unseasonably cold weather, the turnout was great and the bleachers were full of excited members of the community. Speakers at the event included current students and alums of Camden High School, school board representatives, the interim Superintendent, as well as members of the “We Can Do This” committee, the group that spearheaded the extensive fundraising and planning that were required to make this dream a reality. In addition to the inspiring remarks, we were also treated to performances by the Panther Marching Band and the Camden Sophisticated Sisters. The passion and commitment to making this project happen was evident and the impact that this field will have on the community once it is completed is crystal clear. 

We at the Foundation are so excited to continue to grow the sport of soccer in Camden, especially since our Soccer for Success players at the Boys and Girls Club down the street will get to play on this brand new field!

Now that they have broken ground, we are counting down the days to the grand opening. Go Panthers!

We joined Mayor Vincent Gray as well as representatives from DC SCORES, KIPP DC and United for DC for the grand opening of the new field behind the Fletcher-Johnson Recreation Center. Without the support of these organizations, this field would not have been possible. It was truly a special day for everyone involved. 

Take a look at all those scissors clipping away at the ribbon! 



Once the field was officially opened, the kids cut loose on the turf, showing off their soccer skills in a short clinic and scrimmage. 




We have no doubt that the field is going to be put to good use. Thank you to everyone who helped provide yet another safe place for children in DC to play. 

We’ve been so busy getting ready for the Capital Soccer Classic and the 2013 Urban Soccer Symposium  that we almost forgot to mention that we went to the White House!

As part of the LA Galaxy’s visit with President Obama, we were able to bring kids from the J.T. Dorsey Foundation's Soccer for Success program in Philadelphia, PA to the White House for a question and answer session with the team.

Though we didn’t have a chance to play soccer with President Obama, the kids still had a fabulous time. They even had a chance to meet a few Galaxy players, including our Players Advisory Council Members Landon Donovan and Todd Dunivant. Stay tuned for more adventures with the Foundation – there is never a dull moment!

 

Following an impressive goal from Cobi Jones in the final seconds of regulation play, the game ended in a 6-6 tie, forcing the game into penalty kicks. After two nail-biting rounds of PKs, the Gray team took home the victory, defeating the Gold team 7-6.

Thanks to all of those who attended and who helped make the inaugural Capital Soccer Classic a HUGE success! 

The day kicked-off with a great speech from two-time Super Bowl champion Darrin Smith, who got the crowd excited by admitting that he was enthusiastic to spend some time discussing “real football” with our group of soccer enthusiasts.  As a former professional athlete and as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Darrin is an advocate for providing youth with positive role models and coaches. After discussing the important role that coaches played in his own life, he offered a few reasons why coaches are so vital in helping to position kids for success.  I think he said it best when he explained that coaches don’t just coach – they “create a legacy” among the youth that they mentor. In other words, a good coach will have an impact beyond the playing field; their true influence is seen years later in the successes of those that they’ve coached.

Following Darrin’s speech, we broke out into smaller group sessions to discuss topics ranging from creative coaching methods and youth leadership perception to online fundraising and special event planning. Each session was designed to help attendees grow their sport-for- youth development efforts and strengthen their organizations’ presence in their communities. I was fortunate enough to participate in a session led by Lawrence Cann, the CEO of Street Soccer USA and learn about their efforts to eliminate homelessness through soccer. Their annual event, the Street Soccer USA Cup, provided a great avenue for discussing the future of the “sport for social change” field.

After two breakout sessions, we were treated to a second featured speaker.  NBA veteran, Etan Thomas spoke about his work with at-risk youth in cities across the country and discussed his own relationship with coaches and mentors.

With such a diverse group of speakers and attendees, it was exciting to discover that we all share one common goal. Despite coming from many different organizations and taking different approaches to tackle the issues present in our communities, we’re all linked by a common effort to use sport as a vehicle for social change and to empower those that we serve. I’m excited to continue learning from our attendees and speakers, as we share ideas and discuss best practices over the next few days!

 

Any sport participant will have at least one story about a coach who made an impact on her life.  The role that a coach can have on a player’s life is significant in youth development.  The sports field offers a place to develop both as an athlete and individual, and lessons learned on that field will be carried throughout life.  At the youth level, a coach’s role is critical as players rely on them for structure and guidance.  When we say “it takes a village” to raise a child, if that child is involved in sports, coaches are by default a part of that village. Like parents or teachers, coaches can be hugely influential in helping kids learn about themselves, build relationships with others and overcome obstacles.

I’ve participated in sports all of my life, starting at age six, and I remember the coaches for whom I’ve played.  The bond goes beyond the lines of competition and lasts longer than a single season.  Whether I’ve agreed or disagreed with a coaching decision made, I have always taken something away from the experience.   Moreover, the relationships between my parents and my coaches have served as an example of how to communicate effectively as well as showcase the importance of personal responsibility.

With so many children participating in sports, the valuable role of the coach cannot be ignored.  The best way to engage and motivate a child with sports is to show her how to enjoy it and to just let her play.  If I thought about everything I needed to do to become a professional soccer player when I was 8 years old, I don’t know if it actually would have happened.  The reason I played soccer and sports in general, was because I had fun and enjoyed them.  And the reason that I continued to play for over 25 years was because I had the coaches to help me discover the joy in the game.

From the grassroots level to the professional level, the positive impact a coach can have on a child is undeniable. It’s more than wins and losses; it’s about developing a child into a healthy, self-confident adult through the wonderful medium of sport.  Thank you to all coaches that dedicate their time to positively impact the youth of today. You are appreciated.

Angela Hucles
www.ETSLeadershipSeries.com
www.AngelaHucles.com
Twitter: @AngelaHucles

Growing up in North Carolina, I ate college basketball for breakfast, lunch and dinner and for desert I indulged in the other football. As a lover of all things sport, I was interested in soccer but I never had the chance to play. At the time, there were no youth leagues or organizations near my neighborhood that offered opportunities for children to play recreationally. Nevertheless, my interest in the game never wavered and a few years ago I had an experience with soccer that changed my life forever both personally and professionally.

So, here is what happened the day soccer swept me off my feet.

In 2010, I attended the Mexico v. New Zealand match in Pasadena, CA. I was sitting in a hospitality suite, when I took a moment to envelop myself in the energy of the game; over 90,000 people loudly cheering, allegiances shouted for 90 minutes strong, everyone displaying a passion I couldn’t remember seeing at any sporting event in my life. I understood enthusiasm and giving your heart to a team and a sport you love, but this fandom felt like it was on another level.

I loved every minute. From that moment on, I wanted to figure out a way to harness the love of sport, specifically soccer, and apply it to something truly impactful.

 

There are many places in the U.S. where the access to participate in a quality sports-based program is limited. Imagine if children in those areas had an opportunity to play a sport that required very little resources to play and offered both health and social benefits.  What if there was a way to reach thousands of children through sport, connect them with caring coaches and impact their lives in a dynamic way? What if you engaged children using a sport that is cross-generational, cross-cultural, gender neutral and has global appeal?

What if you could positively affect the lives of children using soccer?  At the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we do just that. Every day, I work with an awesome team and utilize our love of sport to improve the well-being of children nationwide.

So, why soccer?  

At the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we show you the why and the how. Click here to learn about our work and ways that you can get involved. 

When reading through this year’s speaker line-up, which includes Claudio Reyna and Darrin Smith, I am reminded of our own President & CEO, Ed Foster-Simeon, and his closing remarks during last year’s Symposium. Even after working with Ed day-in and day-out, his passionate comments about the impact soccer had on his son’s life left me totally and completely inspired, if not a little emotional. I remember the following Monday at work, seeing him down the hall, and remembering the faces of everyone in the room as he brought the 2012 Symposium to a close.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the 2011 youth clinic, led by our own Symposium attendees. Watching the transition, from eager and willing participants throughout the week to engaging and dedicated teachers coming together to showcase all of our work for the children at the clinic was a moment I won’t soon forget.

Months of planning have gone into the 2013 Symposium, and I cannot wait to create new memories, to challenge the fantastic moments of prior years, and most importantly, to work together to positively impact youth in our communities. Join us at the 2013 Symposium - find details here.

Our afternoon began with a meet-and-greet of staff from all three shows, who share one large space for the three newsrooms. Meeting all of the staff was a great opportunity to get our message out to others in the DC sports world. I was initially surprised at the attention we received when talking about the Foundation and some of our programs, but I soon realized that we are all part of the DC sports community and using sport in a positive way is a relatable point for everyone.

Our group also had great discussions with both Tonys (Tony Kornheiser and Tony “Stat Boy” Reali) about the work we’ve done in DC, including our field-building initiative with KIPP DC and our Soccer for Success programs that are run in partnership with DC SCORES and United for DC. For the final portion of our afternoon, we were taken into the studio for a taping of the day’s PTI broadcast. Even though Mike Wilbon was taping the show via satellite from Los Angeles, it felt like he was right there with us. Honestly, the banter between Mike and Tony was priceless. The PTI staff was gracious enough to place one of our soccer balls on the renowned PTI desk, between Tony Kornheiser’s legendary penguins and the show’s most recent Emmy.

After taking a few pictures at the end of the taping, we retreated back to the office to watch our soccer ball’s debut on ESPN that evening. Check out the great spot we got: 

Overall, it was a fantastic day. We were able to inform others in the sports industry about our organization, as well as see where the ESPN magic happens for a few really great shows. We look forward to staying in touch with our new friends down the street.

Growing up, soccer was my passion. I was a good athlete and a dedicated teammate, but I was never an “elite” player. I knew I would never play for a Division I school, never grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, or play alongside my childhood heroes. I played because I truly loved the game. What kept me coming back, season after season, were the friends I had made and the sense of belonging I felt as part of a team.

In college, I volunteered as a youth soccer coach in Oakland, CA. I was surprised to learn that many of my kids never belonged to a team prior to joining mine. This was not due to a lack of interest, but rather, a lack of opportunity. Once given access to safe playing facilities and the right equipment, my kids embraced the game wholeheartedly. And despite a less-than-stellar league record, they finished the season as a strong team of confident, supportive leaders. They proved to me what I have always known to be true: soccer is bigger than the game itself; it’s true value lies in the lessons it teaches and in the community it creates.

While I’m still getting the hang of things around the office, I love knowing that every day I am helping to create these same opportunities for kids in under-resourced communities across the country. Because of the work we do, another kid will know how it feels to lace up a pair of cleats, dribble a ball down the field, and belong to something bigger than his or herself – and win or lose, I think that’s a pretty beautiful thing.

The Urban Soccer Symposium is a reflection of the innovation, advancement, and passion of this field. The people in this field recognize that through continued improvements to how we impart life skills and teach soccer to our youth; build our staff, coaches, and mentors; and strategically grow our organizations; we will positively impact youth in our communities. Join us at the 2013 Symposium - find details here: http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org/our-impact/2013-urban-soccer-symposium.

I hope to see you there!

Rather than just tell me about the work we’ve done with many local schools and organizations, she had the better idea to show me what we’ve done, and to hear from people in the community about the fields we’ve built and programs we support. And that is how I met Ernest Yombo, the Dean of Students at Bruce Monroe Elementary at Park View in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, DC.

Mr. Yombo approached with a gentle grin, and welcomed my boss and me into his office, which overlooks a beautiful school auditorium. Just beyond the school walls lies Park View, a city park with a state-of-the-art turf soccer field. The field receives incredible respect from the local community, and still looks as if it was built yesterday. There is not one flaw in the turf, not one piece of trash along the sidelines, no damaged equipment, graffiti, or broken glass. It is a source of pride at Bruce Monroe, and Mr. Yombo is its biggest cheerleader.

Mr. Yombo does not hide his emotions, and that became evident when he talked to me about their Soccer for Success afterschool program. Mr. Yombo speaks passionately about his students, as if he has dozens of sons and daughters. He is outside every day during Soccer for Success sessions, playing, teaching, and learning alongside the kids and the result of his work shows itself in the number of young students stopping by his office to say hello or visit with their Dean of Students throughout the day.

Day-to-day, the work I do at my fellowship is like any other desk job.  But when I step outside and onto a pitch or meet someone like Mr. Yombo, there is a stark contrast when I see the end product of what I have done and will be doing. No matter how humble someone like Mr. Yombo appears, his influence on his school and its students is palpable. For every dollar that the Foundation provides to underserved communities, it is clear that no amount of money can match the power of people who work tirelessly to make an impact on young people.

I am struck by the passion, dedication, and love these coaches display towards the young people in their communities.  These local leaders have reminded me, that regardless of background, a single person can have a positive, lasting impact upon the life of a child through the game of soccer.  By assuming the role of mentor as well as coach, the opportunities for the healthy future of a child skyrocket.  Thank you to all the coaches/mentors who have shown me that the Beatles were correct!  I can't wait to teach and learn from my next set of coaches/mentors at the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County (NJ) and the YMCA of Greater Dayton (OH).  Watch out y'all, Coach Jim is fired up!

Ed, our President & CEO, moderated a panel titled Collective Impact: Bringing Critical Elements Together to Grow Inner City Soccer, and included a few of our Soccer for Success partners to join in on the discussion. 

The discussion started promptly at 9:00am, and by 10:00am I felt like we had only just begun to unwrap the knapsack that is urban soccer. From the challenges to the triumphs, down to how to fund urban programs, the panelists and the audience worked through the ways to get children in urban communities more involved in the game. As a non-morning person, I’ll admit that I was quite impressed with the audience’s level of enthusiasm at 9:00am! The discussion ended on a solid note and the positive energy in the room was palpable. I’m excited about the connections we made after the panel and hope that we continue to work with the great men and women who do wonderful work on the ground to use soccer as a tool for social change.

After the panel, Jim and I walked around to meet different companies and try out new soccer inventions. Here is where Quick Feet comes in – I placed third in the Convention!

This was my first NSCAA Convention and I hope it won’t be my last. Seeing all of the newest soccer gear and training equipment was really great, plus what beats walking around in sweats and sneakers all day?

Did you attend the NSCAA Convention this year? If so, how was it?

“To understand a sport's place in a culture you have to look beyond TV and even outside stadiums — you have to look at playgrounds and mall concourses and the jokes people you haven't talked to in 12 years are making on Facebook. And I’m sorry, but by those measures, the condition of soccer in America is roughly a billion times healthier than it was 18 years ago. It’s countless little things…the whole point is that you can’t really measure it. Soccer is just much more of a steady everyday presence than it was a few years ago. It just is.”

That description of the “unmeasurables” of soccer in the U.S. really put into perspective the work that I will be doing over the next year of my life. Of course my SportsCenter feed is filled with previews of previews of NFL playoff games, but walking through DC, I pass by just as many pickup soccer matches as I do softball leagues and flag football games. 

And that’s what amazes me about the work being done in this office. The strength of the game has allowed these selfless people to devote their time and efforts to helping children across the country. Helping underserved communities is our cause, but soccer is our vehicle, and even if you can’t measure its success, there is a reason why soccer has become part of the American sports conversation. I am excited to become a part of this team and share my thoughts  over the next year.

We are seeking new community partners from across the country to expand our Soccer for Success program.  Organizations interested in becoming a Soccer for Success community partner should submit a letter of inquiry, no later than Friday, January 11, 2013 at 5:00pm EST.

For more information about becoming a Soccer for Success community partner, please visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org/sfsletterofinquiry.

In addition, Surgeon General Dr. Regina M. Benjamin was joined by students from three DC public schools for a video competition in which students created public service announcements about obesity and how to live a healthy, active life. The winning school was announced at the gala and Dr. Benjamin spoke about the importance of children advocating living healthy lifestyles. It was fantastic to see the youth in our own backyard work to reduce the obesity epidemic in a creative way.

Check out the gift Ed received at the gala – what a great message! 

 Click here to see one of our programs in action and how we are combatting the childhood obesity epidemic in DC!