Street Soccer Blog

Street Soccer Advances in Tournament

“Good game!” “Go all the way!” were the unsolicited comments I heard from the other team as they left the gym after losing in a sudden death overtime to the Urban Ministry Center’s Street Soccer team last night, 5-4. It was an intense game—very physical with lots of chatter. I enjoyed every minute!

As a new volunteer for the program, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m used to my nephew’s soccer games. You know, outside, with lots of parents, kids who have played together for months or years. The UMC team I saw last night comes from a vastly different background, but all of that is left behind and they are just another team in the league. In fact, I talked with a student from the CPCC league who had no idea who the team was and what their personal struggles were. She only knew them as a team she thought was a tough one.

That’s perfect. The opportunity to function as a team seemed important to all of the players. I was very impressed by the support they showed each other. And their approach to the game—they were definitely there to win and they played such a physical game. Because UMC is playing in a college intramural league, many of the players are significantly younger than them, but that did not hold them back last night. They gave it their all and it paid off in the end.

Last night was the first round of a tournament and UMC has earned another game, the semifinal, next Monday. If they win that one, then there will be a final on the same night. I’m hoping they go all the way! As a new member of the Royal Court, I will be there to see if they do.

-Trish Fries

StreetSoccer Gives Back

The best time of today was going to Trinity Elementary School and explaining to kids about StreetSoccer945! Many questioned were regarding our Street Soccer knowledge and lessons we've learned though soccer. We thought that we were going to be outside, but unfortunately it rained. We adjusted our situation and made it work for ourselves and the kids.

Craig Holley, StreetSoccer945

StreetSoccer Wraps Up “Kick Around:” Weekly Life Skills Workshop

Understood the importance of showing up and being ready…Inspired to seek out a soccer team and social group in the community for the first time since high school…Brought focus to accountability, dependability…Learned what triggers stress and negative reactions…Recognized different skill levels and backgrounds of each player…

These are a few of the take away messages shared by players and volunteers at the final Kick Around. For the past few months, StreetSoccer teamed up weekly with volunteers from Watershed Church and the community for life skills lessons and soccer scrimmages. The focus of the night, “Facing and Accepting Reality” included a timed team-building exercise and a group discussion. The new StreetSoccerUSA Curriculum is has been implemented to teach life skills at the weekly Kick Arounds and the results have been inspiring for Street players and volunteers alike.

I’m here for the relationships…Encouraged by the growth I’ve seen in the players around me…Now, I’m able to keep my temper and think before I act when things don’t go my way…Realized it’s okay to ask people for help……

Transforming lives and growing together. Thanks for a great season Watershed and 945 players!

To get involved with the soccer program contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

StreetSoccer Starts CPCC League

Monday, September 19th the StreetSoccer945 team started off the season with the inaugural game of the CPCC intermural league. The team came out strong, holding a tie for most of the first period before giving up a few goals for a 4-7 loss. Coach Pete and Antoin shared time in the goal with Ayoni and Dre as strong defenders with an offensive mindset. Osman, Angel and Denis played forward for 945. StreetSoccer volunteer and CPCC coach Dan was the referee. A lesson from a recent week of the StreetSoccerUSA curriculum was "Adjust your play" (both on the soccer pitch and in life) and the team did just that. The rules were a mix between indoor soccer and StreetSoccer and the team adjusted well to the 5 v 5 play without the boards lining the field. To join the fan club please visit the Royal Court. Come out at support us next week and every Monday evening at 6pm at the Betty Rae Thomas Recreation Center on Tuckaseegee Road. Hope to see you there! For more information on getting involved with the Street Soccer program, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page or contact Brittany at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Homeless World Cup featured in NYTimes

Street Soccer USA Founder and former Urban Ministry Staff member Lawrence Cann featured in New York Times in support of soccer and life skills:

Homeless World Cup: Soccer, Statistics and Social Change