Soccer In The Streets Girls' Leagues

Thanks to the hard work of local coordinators and the  generous sponsorship of Mervyn's and the Women's Sports Foundation, Soccer in the Streets offered an exciting opportunity to girls in four California locations - leagues of their own.  This program provided a soccer league  from head to toe,  by supplying uniforms, the necessary equipment, trained coaches, and payment for all registration fees.  The leagues, established in San Diego, Hayward, Sacramento, and Montebello, targeted at-risk or lower socioeconomic populations of girls and aimed to create a positive environment that fosters growth, education, self-esteem and enjoyment through physical activity. 

Even in their first season, the leagues were a success, giving children that could not normally participate in organized sports the opportunity.  The  leagues, like the Hayward league pictured above, gave girls the chance to earn their first sports medals and thrive in a  setting geared toward their development, while providing families with an opportunity to watch their daughters play team sports.

Have these four leagues made a difference?  In a tangible sense, there are now soccer fields with goals in places where they did not exist before and soccer equipment in the hands (and on the feet) of girls who are eager for more.  On a more personal level, a seed has been planted, skills have been developed, and memories of a rewarding experience will last a lifetime.  If this program is continued and even expanded in the future, the possibilities are endless.  

Take a look at the leagues >>