Engaging Youth in After-School Programming
The most critical part of a child’s day begins after the final bell rings. Nevertheless, engaging them in physical activity on their own is not always easy. In partnership with the Together Counts™ program, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is committed to helping young people embrace an active and healthy lifestyle. Our programs, including Soccer for Success, help children engage in a healthy and active lifestyle on and off the field.
Soccer for Success utilizes its four main components – physical activity, nutrition, mentorship and family engagement – to engage children in 90-minute sessions of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least three times per week. During these sessions, participants are also taught about health and wellness.
Sam, a participant from Washington DC, is an example of how Soccer for Success can positively impact kids.
Sam’s mother wanted him to be involved in an after-school program. But Sam, a third grader who didn’t think of himself as athletic, wasn’t interested in doing anything after school, especially play sports.
One day after school, Sam went with a teacher to watch a Soccer for Success game on the school’s soccer field. The team caught his attention. He immediately noticed that not every player was the most skilled, but they were all having fun and working together as a team.
When school returned in the fall, Sam took a leap and signed up for the spring session of Soccer for Success and loved it. From the field to the classroom, Sam has become more confident in all aspects of his life since joining Soccer for Success.
There are many children, like Sam, who need an extra push to engage in after-school programming. Soccer for Success is a program that inspires kids to lead healthier, active lives and creates a lasting impact on the lives of children who need it most.
Be sure to check out the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s website to learn more about Soccer for Success and see how you can get involved. Don’t forget to check out the Together Counts’ health and wellness resources.
The mission of the U.S. Soccer Foundation is to enhance, assist and grow the sport of soccer in the United States, with a special emphasis on underserved communities. We view soccer as a powerful vehicle for social change. By supporting the development of places to play, places to grow and places to learn, our goal is to ensure that children in underserved communities have easy and affordable access to quality soccer programs that support their physical and personal development.
For more ideas to get your kids up and active, check out these other articles from Together Counts!