Eleven of the eighteen schools at which Urban Initiatives is running the Work to Play Program kicked off their Fall Season this week. Urban Initiatives is thrilled to welcome Lloyd and Pasteur Elementary Schools to the UI team! UI would like to send a special thank you to the Chicago Fire Foundation for helping us expand into these two new schools. Based on the enthusiasm of their principals, coaches, and players, Urban Initiatives looks forward to an exciting and dynamic year with both schools.
No matter the 7:30 AM start time, the excitement and energy of the kids at all the schools this week has been undeniable. New players eager to learn the ways of a healthy soccer player were warmly welcomed to the UI team while returning players who have been missing the team all summer long gave their coaches hugs and high-fives upon arrival.
Jayshawn, a returning player at Sherman School of Excellence, wasted no time getting back into the swing of things. In a small-sided scrimmage this morning, he scored a goal, played a beautiful header to a teammate and made selfless passes with his sweet spot. His teammates gathered around him cheering after his goal. Jayshawn, grinning ear to ear, high-fived his coach proudly and told him, “I’ve been practicing all summer, Coach.”
If this first week of the season is any indication, the 2011-2012 year is going to be Urban Initiatives’ best yet!
