Transforming Lives Through Soccer & Guidance
Discipline. Mentorship. Opportunity.
OUR MISSION
At The Soccer Project, we believe that every child deserves a path to success; regardless of their background or circumstances. Many of the students in our program face significant challenges, from socio-economic struggles to a lack of structure and guidance. Our mission is to bridge these gaps by using soccer as a catalyst for academic achievement and personal growth.
We are more than just a sports program. Our goal is to empower students through a combination of:
Soccer as a Vehicle for Change
Guidance & Mentorship
Academic Accountability
How It All Started
Our journey began when we had the opportunity to coach the Von Tobel Middle School soccer team; a school in one of the most economically challenged areas of town. It quickly became clear that these students weren’t just struggling on the field; they were facing immense challenges off of it as well.
Von Tobel ranks among the lowest in academics and behavior, but the real issue goes beyond the classroom. Many of these kids deal with fatherlessness, poverty, and unstable home environments, forcing them to grow up faster than they should. As we got to know their individual stories, we saw firsthand how these hardships affected their education, discipline, and motivation.
When the soccer season was canceled due to players not meeting academic requirements, it was a wake-up call. These students weren’t failing because they lacked potential; they lacked guidance, structure, and support. That’s when we knew we had to do something more.
This experience became the foundation of The Soccer Project: a program designed to give these students the tools they need to succeed, both in school and in life.
I know their struggles because I’ve lived them. Having faced similar challenges in my own upbringing, I understood the need for mentorship, accountability, and a sense of purpose. That’s why I decided to step in and create a program that uses soccer as a tool for change; not just to keep kids off the streets, but to inspire them to dream beyond their circumstances.
Through The Soccer Project, we provide more than just a game; we provide mentorship, academic accountability, and the discipline needed to succeed. Our goal is to equip these students with the soft skills, mindset, and support that will lead them toward higher education, meaningful careers, and a brighter future.
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OUR MISSION
At The Soccer Project, we believe that every child deserves a path to success; regardless of their background or circumstances. Many of the students in our program face significant challenges, from socio-economic struggles to a lack of structure and guidance. Our mission is to bridge these gaps by using soccer as a catalyst for academic achievement and personal growth.
We are more than just a sports program. Our goal is to empower students through a combination of:
Soccer as a Vehicle for Change
Guidance & Mentorship
Academic Accountability
How It All Started
Our journey began when we had the opportunity to coach the Von Tobel Middle School soccer team; a school in one of the most economically challenged areas of town. It quickly became clear that these students weren’t just struggling on the field; they were facing immense challenges off of it as well.
Von Tobel ranks among the lowest in academics and behavior, but the real issue goes beyond the classroom. Many of these kids deal with fatherlessness, poverty, and unstable home environments, forcing them to grow up faster than they should. As we got to know their individual stories, we saw firsthand how these hardships affected their education, discipline, and motivation.
When the soccer season was canceled due to players not meeting academic requirements, it was a wake-up call. These students weren’t failing because they lacked potential; they lacked guidance, structure, and support. That’s when we knew we had to do something more.
This experience became the foundation of The Soccer Project: a program designed to give these students the tools they need to succeed, both in school and in life.
I know their struggles because I’ve lived them. Having faced similar challenges in my own upbringing, I understood the need for mentorship, accountability, and a sense of purpose. That’s why I decided to step in and create a program that uses soccer as a tool for change; not just to keep kids off the streets, but to inspire them to dream beyond their circumstances.
Through The Soccer Project, we provide more than just a game; we provide mentorship, academic accountability, and the discipline needed to succeed. Our goal is to equip these students with the soft skills, mindset, and support that will lead them toward higher education, meaningful careers, and a brighter future.
OUR APPROACH
At The Soccer Project, our work goes beyond the field. Every practice, lesson, and mentorship moment is intentionally designed to shape character, build confidence, and prepare our students for life beyond middle school.
Soccer as a Tool for Growth
Soccer is more than a game; it’s our classroom. Through training and competition, students learn leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. Every challenge faced on the field mirrors the challenges they’ll encounter in life, and every victory. No matter how small, it builds confidence and resilience.
We teach our players that success isn’t about winning matches; it’s about developing the discipline to show up, push through, and never give up.
Guidance & Mentorship
Our mentors and guest speakers bring real-world lessons that go far beyond soccer. From former athletes to local professionals, each one shares personal stories of growth, adversity, and triumph.
These experiences help our students understand that their circumstances do not define their future. With the right guidance and support, they can shape their own path and create lasting change; for themselves, their families, and their community.
We stay with them for the long haul, offering mentorship and encouragement through high school and beyond.
Academic Success
We believe that athletic excellence and academic achievement go hand in hand. Our team provides tutoring, accountability, and structured support to ensure every student maintains strong grades and stays eligible for participation.
When one of our players succeeds in the classroom, it’s celebrated just as much as a goal on the field; because every academic milestone brings them closer to graduation and to a brighter, self-driven future.
OUR APPROACH
At The Soccer Project, our work goes beyond the field. Every practice, lesson, and mentorship moment is intentionally designed to shape character, build confidence, and prepare our students for life beyond middle school.
Soccer as a Tool for Growth
Soccer is more than a game; it’s our classroom. Through training and competition, students learn leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. Every challenge faced on the field mirrors the challenges they’ll encounter in life, and every victory. No matter how small, it builds confidence and resilience.
We teach our players that success isn’t about winning matches; it’s about developing the discipline to show up, push through, and never give up.
Guidance & Mentorship
Our mentors and guest speakers bring real-world lessons that go far beyond soccer. From former athletes to local professionals, each one shares personal stories of growth, adversity, and triumph.
These experiences help our students understand that their circumstances do not define their future. With the right guidance and support, they can shape their own path and create lasting change; for themselves, their families, and their community.
We stay with them for the long haul, offering mentorship and encouragement through high school and beyond.
Academic Success
We believe that athletic excellence and academic achievement go hand in hand. Our team provides tutoring, accountability, and structured support to ensure every student maintains strong grades and stays eligible for participation.
When one of our players succeeds in the classroom, it’s celebrated just as much as a goal on the field; because every academic milestone brings them closer to graduation and to a brighter, self-driven future.