JAR is a proud supporter of America SCORES New York (ASNY)’s signature Literacy in Action program.
America SCORES New York works with over 20 under resourced NYC public schools to provide free after-school programming for almost 1,300 students, ages 5-18, who learn about fair play, teamwork, leadership and commitment through soccer, poetry and community service. With the help of over 70 specially trained coaches, this unique after-school program shines a spotlight on these poet-athletes, helping them develop the skills necessary to lead successful lives off the field and outside the classroom while also providing them with a safe space to grow their confidence to express themselves through sport and the spoken word.
In the last year, ASNY has increased the number of poet-athletes impacted through its program by almost 50%, an achievement which was partly due to expansion into the Bronx for the first time. Aside from four new middle schools incorporated into their recreational soccer league, ASNY’s proudest accomplishment is the full integration of PS 66 and PS 386 into the Literacy in Action curriculum.
Coach Luna with the PS 386 Girls team
“I got into SCORES because I wanted to be more involved with the students and help guide them to healthier after school activities outside of the park. On our first game day, we were all so excited, and even though we were late, it didn’t dampen the mood. The kids I was with were singing their hearts out and just overjoyed to be part of the game ahead!” — Coach Luna, PS 386
Success Story:
Before expanding to the Bronx, America SCORES New York landed in Brooklyn for the first time ever thanks to a local community grant which helped them take root effectively.
At PS 249, one of the most improved poet-athletes is Jesus. In his first ever practice, he got into a fist fight with another player named Danyyal. Over the course of the season, Jesus got into about 3 more physical altercations. He didn’t trust anyone and got immediately defensive and aggressive whenever he felt threatened. He got suspended at least twice and had major issues in school for the same behavior.
Over summer program and the Fall 2018 season, Jesus was given more leadership roles, more responsibility, and more recognition for his achievements, as well as more opportunities to build trust and bonds with his teammates and coaches. This season, one year later, Jesus is the de facto team captain in his final season as a graduating 5th grader, keeping everyone in line and helping players of lesser ability than him, making everyone feel welcome! He has even been trying to keep Danyyal out of trouble, who left the team halfway through the Spring 2018 season for too many fights and who then got a second chance this Spring 2019 season!
Jesus from PS 249
PS Boys excited for Jamboree 2019!
Thank you America SCORES New York for your partnership in making a better and safer NYC.
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