Urban Initiatives is happy to welcome one of its two newest Work to Play partner school National Teachers Academy! Located in the Armour Square community, NTA has been an amazing addition to our program! OSPDs Aaron O’Neill and Melissa Matthews lead them with their never-ending enthusiasm and positive energy. With one of the largest rosters in our WTP program, they engage over 45 students every week and eager students are waiting to join our growing program!
Every practice, NTA scholars enter the gym with excitement and the biggest smiles, waiting what awesome new moves and games they will learn! Our amazing team of coaches have great help with Assistant Coach Johnson and six team captains from our Take the Lead Program. The team captains have definitely taken their responsibilities as role models and leaders amongst the group to heart and always want to know how they can help their team. They lead energetic warm-ups that the group looks forward to in order to get ready for practice. Team Captains are thrilled to have their own Captain’s Huddles led by their PA where they develop their leadership skills to be active members of their school and communities.
Our NTA soccer scholars learn during their discussions about respect and responsibility, but also how to make healthier choices at school and home. Aside from learning about character development and nutrition, they have an opportunity to be part of a team and work together towards a goal. One student said, “I love being part of the team because I have new friends!”
Urban Initiatives is enthusiastic to become part of the NTA family and look forward to seeing the students develop into leaders during their remarkable first season!
