The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Soccer tournament raises funds for youth programs
Organization creates ‘social change through the sport of soccer.’
More than 400 people attended the seventh annual ATL Champions League 2017 on Sunday, May 21. It was one of Soccer in the Streets’ traditional fundraising tournaments in support of metro Atlanta underserved youth. The event was hosted by Atlanta United at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground with 16 participating teams and over 200 players hitting the pitch.
The ATL Champions League is a fundraiser soccer tournament that sees the city’s most passionate soccer fans, representing 15 of the most illustrious European soccer teams and Atlanta’s own Atlanta United FC, battle it out for the title. The tournament also raised funds to bring soccer to lower-income communities while leveling the playing field regardless of socioeconomic status.
The organization is a metro Atlanta nonprofit that empowers underserved youth through sports-based training, character development, mentoring and employability programs.
“Our organization serves in a holistic and comprehensive way by reaching kids on the field, in small-group classroom sessions, through hands-on experiences and activities, and participation in youth leadership councils. Equal access to quality soccer training and educational opportunities, as well as leveling the playing field across the board, are also key elements in our core mission,” said Jose E. Devarez, director of communications and development of Soccer in the Streets.
The event raised over $136,000 that will help the organization provide free youth soccer camps and programming in several locations this summer. During the spring, Soccer in the Streets worked in 27 locations providing continuous programming — free of charge. Since last year, the organization has impacted over 6,000 children.
The organization always seeks volunteers for coaching, refereeing, mentoring, event support and logistics, and other duties.
“By using soccer as a catalyst for change, Soccer in the Streets is making a significant impact on the youth in our city. As a dedicated community partner, we are happy to assist in their efforts to create social change through the sport of soccer,” said Darren Eales, Atlanta United president for the ATL Champions League.
Since 2016, its programs have soccerstreets.org Each Tuesday, we write about charity events such as funruns, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To suggest an event for us to cover, contact Devika Rao at doing.goodAJC@gmail.com. impacted over 7,000 children in underserved communities. Soccer in the Streets launched the first Homeless Soccer League, providing an outlet for teenagers to build a community; and Station Soccer, the first soccer field in the world inside the perimeter of a metro station at MARTA Five Points.
UPCOMING
Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association with Redbird Events and the city of Dunwoody. 5-8 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 26. Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. facebook.com/DunwoodyFoodTruckThursdays.
“Summer in the City: Where Beach Meets the Street.” 5-11 p.m. Friday. Free. 101 W. Court Square, downtown Decatur. The Decatur Business Association will bring 60 tons of sand with live music from Bogey and the Viceroy, pop-up performances and children’s activities. DecaturDBA.com/events/ summer-in-the-city.
Summer Concert Series: High Beams. 7 p.m. Saturday. $3 to $5, free for members and children ages 3 and younger. Meadow, Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. HighBeamsMusic.com, DunwoodyNature.org/2017-summer-concert-series.