Charleston Kix
Donation protected
“Soccer is the world’s greatest and largest game. But in the U.S., success is often determined by the wealth of the player’s parents.”
- USA Sports blog,
Les Carpenter
Soccer players tend to come from communities that have more education, higher incomes, employment rankings, and are “richer” than the US average. Basketball and football players come from places that rank lower than average on those same indicators. Statistics show that communities with lower incomes are predominantly "poorer Americans". This could directly correspond as to why less minority youth are playing the sport of soccer. Here in Charleston, SC my goal is to bridge this gap and get more children out on the soccer field being successful and developing a passion for the game. Every child deserves an equal opportunity.
The major problem is the financial aspect of playing soccer under USYS (United States Youth Soccer). The expenses per year can rack up over a $1,000.00 between registration fees each season (two a year), uniforms, and tournaments. This excludes the equipment needed to even play.
In addition, I want children in Charleston in this program to be coached by licensed USSF coaches and have their fees, uniforms and tournaments paid for. These coaches have to go through safety, technical, and tactical training to obtain these certifications. When children play, they deserve to have the best coaching experience possible, and be educated at a high level.
Players will also be part of a mentoring program after school and before practice. Here they will get the academic support they need and learn to be better citizens. This mentorship program is something I am extremely passionate about. I want to see more students becoming successful in the classroom and playing this beautiful game at a high level when they are older, without having to deal with the financial burdens.
- USA Sports blog,
Les Carpenter
Soccer players tend to come from communities that have more education, higher incomes, employment rankings, and are “richer” than the US average. Basketball and football players come from places that rank lower than average on those same indicators. Statistics show that communities with lower incomes are predominantly "poorer Americans". This could directly correspond as to why less minority youth are playing the sport of soccer. Here in Charleston, SC my goal is to bridge this gap and get more children out on the soccer field being successful and developing a passion for the game. Every child deserves an equal opportunity.
The major problem is the financial aspect of playing soccer under USYS (United States Youth Soccer). The expenses per year can rack up over a $1,000.00 between registration fees each season (two a year), uniforms, and tournaments. This excludes the equipment needed to even play.
In addition, I want children in Charleston in this program to be coached by licensed USSF coaches and have their fees, uniforms and tournaments paid for. These coaches have to go through safety, technical, and tactical training to obtain these certifications. When children play, they deserve to have the best coaching experience possible, and be educated at a high level.
Players will also be part of a mentoring program after school and before practice. Here they will get the academic support they need and learn to be better citizens. This mentorship program is something I am extremely passionate about. I want to see more students becoming successful in the classroom and playing this beautiful game at a high level when they are older, without having to deal with the financial burdens.
Organizer
Chris James
Organizer
Charleston, SC
