Press Release
A Cup for a Better World:
Scoring goals in the game of life
While the FIFA World Cup takes place this June in South Africa, this summer Washington DC is the stage for a unique “sport for social change event”: more than 200 homeless soccer players from across the country compete for the Street Soccer USA Championship 2010.
Nationwide more than 650,000 homeless persons have to live in degraded conditions on the streets or in parks – every day and every night. The national non-profit organization “Street Soccer USA” (SSUSA) utilizes the power of soccer to turn the lives of homeless for the better. For this reason SSUSA hosts the annual Street Soccer USA CUP for the homeless in Washington DC. From July 30th until August 1st teams of males and females representing a variety of agencies (grassroots, city wide, and national homeless service providers) from 18 cities will compete in fast-paced, 4 versus 4 street soccer action at the Kastles Stadium in downtown Washington.
The event includes exhibition matches, live entertainment, and thousands of cheering fans and volunteers from the local community, many who travel from across the US to witness the cup – all for a social purpose: 75% of participants secure jobs, housing, or pursue further education after participating in the program.
· TK, a 27 year old living in New York, became homeless after poor personal decisions ruined his chances of playing soccer in college. As a result of the program, TK is back in college, employed, and hopeful of playing in the Homeless World Cup. He says, “My life was in shambles and I didn’t know where to begin. The mentors, coaches, and friends have helped me get my life back. Now I feel I have a future.” TK moved out the shelter earlier this month.
· Lance L. Holmes, a homeless from St. Louis and goalie of the St. Louis Roadies, says of SSUSA, “What I get from this soccer team is a sense of pride every time I practice or have a game. It has also increased my self esteem by showing me that I can achieve my goals not only in soccer but in life in general. The whole experience just makes me feel at home. Now I want to make it to the U.S. National Team in the position of a goalie.”
· Nori Emerson, a female player from Charlotte says, “What I learned from this program is that my future depends on me, and that I have the power to change my life.” Nori, after 8 years living in motels and abandoned buildings, holds the keys to her own apartment where she now lives with a teammate.
From among the participating homeless street soccer teams, SSUSA selects the U.S. National Team (8 males and 8 females) that will travel to the Homeless World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in September. By participating in the World Cup SSUSA is able to connect the homeless problem in the U.S. to the global challenge and harness the attention and energy of the public around the issue.
The SSUSA Cup and the Homeless World Cup are the annual highlights of the street soccer season. Through the year the players participate in one of the 18 local “sport for social change programs” with a curriculum and set of best practices developed by SSUSA.
Lawrence Cann, the Founder and CEO of SSUSA, points out, “Our soccer players come to us overwhelmed by the challenges of poverty and in many cases substance abuse and trauma from their childhood. Through street soccer, they set goals, get a positive community and begin to make plans for their own future. We are proving that ending homelessness is a team sport. So we warmly welcome everybody to support the homeless in scoring on and off the field.”
The best way to support the players is simply be cheering. Everyone in Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas is invited to get in touch with street soccer and to enjoy a great entertainment program: Played during the day and under the lights in 2,500 seats Washington Kastles Stadium, the Street Soccer USA Cup comprises the opening day Parade of States, Celebrity First Kick, live musical entertainment, exhibition matches, food, and fun for the whole family.
Supporting a local team or helping to roll out the “sport for social change program” to further communities in the U.S. is very easy and effective. SSUSA’s low overhead and overall approach maximizes the effect of everyone’s contribution for those in need. Whether it is volunteering, donating or just “shopping for social change”, on www.streetsoccerusa.org/get_involved interested people can find out how they can help ending homelessness in their community and across the nation.
About Street Soccer USA
Founded in 2004 by Lawrence Cann, Street Soccer USA (SSUSA) is a national non-profit organization that promotes, advocates and utilizes the power of soccer as a vehicle for intervention, education and empowerment among the homeless living in the United States.
SSUSA is a national league of “sport for social change programs” in 16 cities across the country. Teams train and compete in local leagues. Players commit to change their lives by setting three, six, and 12 month personal goals. With the assistance of coaches and volunteers, each player is held accountable to meet – and even exceed – their vision for a better self.
