To learn more about Soccer in the Streets, go to www.soccerstreets.org
When Jeremy Hellmann, 13, read an article in National Geographic magazine about soccer and how some kids around the world do not get to play the sport simply because they do not get access to decent soccer balls, he was inspired.
“It made me sad to see that some kids cannot play soccer,” said Hellmann, a soccer play himself. “I really wanted to find a way to give back and help spread the love of soccer to kids who are in need.”
At the same time, Hellmann’s bar mitzvah was quickly approaching. Traditionally, guests bring presents for the boy completing his “rite of passage”, but Hellmann decided to forego presents by asking his guests to purchase soccer balls from One World Futbol.
One World Futbol makes, sells and distributes nearly indestructible soccer balls that survive the harshest environments. Once purchased, the organization delivers balls to disadvantaged communities where play and sport are used to foster social change. The purchase would benefit Atlanta’s Soccer in The Streets.
Over 50 soccer balls were purchased for Soccer in The Streets. The donations would benefit the program’s fall trip to Haiti, and because of the overwhelming response for Hellmann’s desire to give back, a local soccer program at Indian Creek Elementary School as well.
On Sept. 16, Hellmann distributed the soccer balls to the elementary school, and got a chance to see how his inspiration would help other children play the same game he loves.
Jill D. Robbins, chief operations officer for Soccer in the Streets, was inspired by the Hellman’s motivation. “Our mission is to help at-risk teenagers ,” she said. “Through soccer, we provide them with job training, character building, and skill building activities. As they complete the program, many get involved with us to mentor the younger kids who are participating in Soccer in the Streets.
“Seeing Jeremy’s desire to give back in such a way is inspiring for these young kids as well,” she added. “We teach our kids how to become engaged in the community, and this is a great example of giving back and being in tune with the community and its needs.”
In 2012, Soccer in the Streets engaged nearly 1,500 youth in sports, character building, and skill building activities, and employed 62 current or former participants as coaches, referees, event staff and administrators.
In Other News: The Fire Alarm Fundraiser held from August – Sept. 15 at Baraonda Atlanta and Publik Draft House raised $6,300 for Fire Station 15 and the Atlanta Fire Foundation. The money raised will go to renovation costs for the firehouse in Midtown Atlanta.
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