Broken. Beat up. Run down. Hopeless.

These are the adjectives associated with the current state of Detroit, MI, and it would be hard to argue anything but. A city whose fall has been the parallel story of the country’s economy, Detroit has become a living personification of America’s biggest problems. Taking a drive up Woodward Avenue, through corridors of Detroit’s deteriorating infrastructure, it would be hard for an outsider to uncover any optimism. But make the right turn or look in the right places, glimmers of hope do exist in some of the most unlikely spots – soccer fields.

Courage, Cooperation, and Perseverance – those are the themes of the 2010 National Youth Leadership Institute hosted by the Urban Soccer Collaborative.

The five day event held at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH and sponsored by the U.S. Soccer Foundation, welcomed youths ages 14-18 to recognize their potential leadership qualities on and off the soccer field and provide them with the tools and information they need to continue developing their leadership skills.

What was once a rundown asphalt playground in the center of Harlem is now home to an oasis of green where youth soccer players from FC Harlem and local organizations can play the game they love.

On April 9, 2010 the U.S. Soccer Foundation joined Irv Smalls, Executive Director of FC Harlem, Major League Soccer, The Children’s Aid Society, FieldTurf, and local politicians for the grand opening of a synthetic-turf soccer field in downtown Harlem.

"I’m proud of this day and this moment. As far as FC Harlem, we’ve come a long way, and without the support of the U.S. Soccer Foundation behind us, this would not have been possible. It’s helping a lot of all these kids in the communities and I’m proud of it." Glen Daley, Founder of FC Harlem

The U.S. Soccer Foundation developed a Mini-Pitch Program that converts small, vacant spaces into fields. Read how one grantee uses the program to keep kids safe on and off the streets.

After finishing their field - one grantee uses diverse programming to keep children involved. “One of our older participants just graduated high school this year,” began Jason Longshore, Communications Director of Soccer in the Streets. Jason knows the young man has beaten the odds. He explains, “A close childhood friend of his is in jail because of gang activity and the quote that always sticks with me is, ‘If we had kept our soccer team together playing, he wouldn't have been wasting his time with those guys.’”

“Over the last four years, Project GOAL has completely changed my life around and made a difference,” said Miguel Lara, a sophomore at Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

“A combination of academics and passion for soccer at Project GOAL are important things to the administration,” said Miguel. “The intelligent teachers strive to make sure the students excel in all of their classes and progress throughout the year. Maintaining good grades and positive conduct are keys to being successful with the program.”

With a Program Grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Project GOAL was able to deflect some of its biggest costs, and as a result, allow more kids to benefit from the organization.

From player to coach: How one youth gained confidence through soccer, and how he now shares his enthusiasm for the game to impact the lives of others.

“As a coach, showing them the fun part of soccer is the most important because it gets their interest in the game,” said 17-year-old Jerome Reano. The teen is a member of the Santo Domingo Pueblo tribe in Albuquerque, New Mexico and has been playing soccer throughout the majority of his life. More recently, however, Reano has transitioned from player to coach, as well as referee.