Search Results for: "testimonials"
Coach Laughlin from Prieto Talks Northbrook Crosstown Success
The kids from Prieto and Goethe had a blast at the Northbrook Crosstown Classic!
We hopped off the bus and were warmly greeted by "Coach Stephanie." Stephanie and the rest of the Northbrook parents/coaches were wonderful hosts. They quickly helped our players get involved in small-sided games on the fields with the Spartan FC players.
As we always do when playing other teams or schools, the Prieto team held a meeting to discuss sportsmanship and respect no matter who our opponents might be. Aylin, one of our more outspoken players, ran up to me during her game and said, "It's easy being a good sport with these kids. They are all so nice!"
Throughout the afternoon, I could hear words of encouragement from Northbrook players to ours, and vice versa. The entire group had a great opportunity to bond and play some soccer together with each other.
At the end of the games, we were graciously provided with pizza, Rice Krispie treats, water, and apples. The kids were thrilled, and the Northbrook parents and coaches made sure all our players had plenty to eat before our bus ride back home. The event was a great experience for all our players, and it provided them with a chance to make some great friends while playing some great soccer.
Continue reading "Coach Laughlin from Prieto Talks Northbrook Crosstown Success"
Program Success at Otis
At Otis, we love having the Urban Initiatives program. We know that the students, as well as parents, are very happy with it. The kids are learning to play soccer and they see their parents see them exercising and having fun at the same time. Also, thanks for all the equipment and the snacks, we truly appreciate your support.- Fernando Sifuentes and Genoveva Najara - On-Site Program Directors, Otis Academy
Coach T. of Libby School Shares about the Fall Season
The fall soccer season has been off to a great start here at Libby School. Most of the kids I have been working with have been with the program now for close the 3 years. I've seen huge improvements overall on all fundamental skill development as well as better eating and health habits and more positive attitudes. I've used many of the activities up to this point that are listed in the daily agenda and found many of them to be helpful. The kids seem to like dog-catcher, the numbers game and full-sided scrimmages the most. The handouts and healthy nutrition info have been great resources for conversations at the beginning or end of practices. My kids like the healthy eating recipes the best and most of them do have their parents prepare the meals for them at home.
Continue reading "Coach T. of Libby School Shares about the Fall Season"
Reavis School Thanks UI for Launching Program this Fall
Dear Urban Initiatives,
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for picking our school to be a part of your soccer program. The kids love it, it is fun and they learn a lot. This is my 4th year at Reavis and I have never seen so much parent involvement with sports than I have at every soccer practice and game. At our first game we had over 40 parents out to watch their kids play in pretty cold and rainy weather. Anyway, thanks again to Urban Initiatives!
Thanks,
Michael S. Berger
Reavis Elementary Soccer Coach and Athletic Coordinator
Continue reading "Reavis School Thanks UI for Launching Program this Fall"
Principal Mohip Thanks Devers Group for Being a Champion for Higher Test Scores
Mr. Devers,
I recently received the results of Walsh's ISAT's and I was very pleased. The school has it's highest scores ever. The only reason this was possible was because our 3rd grade increased its results from the mid to low 40's to the low to mid 70's percentiles. While I would love to take all the credit, I simply cannot. I know that Urban Initiatives had a major impact on our scores and student achievement. The work to play aspect of the program motivated my students to do do their best everyday. I also know that a healthy body helps increase a healthy mind. The program has been an unbelievable benefit to Walsh School and I thank you for help making it happen.
I do hope to see you soon and please consider being a Principal for a Day again in October.
Sincerely,
Krish Mohip
Principal Walsh School
Continue reading "Principal Mohip Thanks Devers Group for Being a Champion for Higher Test Scores"
Senate President John J. Cullerton commends the Work to Play Program
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to take a moment to offer my support for the Urban Initiatives Work to Play Program. Since its inception in 2003, this commendable before- and after-school soccer program has positively impacted the lives of hudreds of Chicago Public School Students.
Continue reading "Senate President John J. Cullerton commends the Work to Play Program"
Ben Pryess Reflects on Volunteer Experiences
I've often strolled out of an Urban Initiatives early morning practice and though to myself "well, that's going to be the best part of my day." As a second year medical students who spends infinite hours studying, maybe that's not saying much. On the other hand, I can promise you that my diverse band of fellow coaches will agree.
Continue reading "Ben Pryess Reflects on Volunteer Experiences"
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Serves as Soccer Ball Honorary Chair
Dear Supporter of Urban Initiatives,
Welcome! It is my pleasure to serve as this year's Honorary Chair of The Soccer Ball adn to support Urban Initiatives in its mission to provide a quality health and educational soccer program to Chicago’s inner city youth. At the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), we recognize that children’s out of school time is just as valuable to their growth and development as their time spent inside the classroom.
Continue reading "U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Serves as Soccer Ball Honorary Chair"
Chris and Jenny Morgan Share Why They Support Urban Initiatives
Urban Initiatives has had a huge impact on us and our family because of the connection we feel both to the kids UI serves and the organization itself. With UI there is always an opportunity for close contact with the kids--a Crosstown Classic, attending a practice at one of the city schools, or going on an outing with some of the UI kids. We took advantage of these opportunities as a family when we first learned about UI, and seeing our kids with the UI kids underscored how alike in spirit all children are, and how much UI does to foster that spirit and channel it in positive ways. After playing soccer together and hanging out on the sidelines, our kids and the UI kids were like old friends, talking about normal kids' stuff--their favorite video games, sports teams, music and foods. Whatever the differences in circumstance, they still found a common bond, and as a UI boy told us after the outing, "We're family now. You're in my heart." That experience left an indelible impression on us all.
Continue reading "Chris and Jenny Morgan Share Why They Support Urban Initiatives"
Principal Barbara Kargas Thanks F.C. Barcelona for Bringing Urban Initiatives to Goethe
Dear Club Barcelona,
Last June on the last day of school, a lucky day indeed, I was visited by Jim Dower. He asked if Goethe School would be interested in having a soccer program for our students. It was like a gift from God. We are a humble neighborhood school with 90% poverty. We had no sports programs and children who absolutely love soccer.