Beginning at about the age of 8, I began to attend UKSD street soccer programs that were held in a small gym, with only a few people that would show up. I still continue to participate in the free of charge programs like street soccer, futsal, and beach soccer to this day. These programs have evolved from a small gym setting to huge crowds around a basketball court on a Tuesday night. These programs began to include lessons such as personal care, environmental care, and awareness about substance abuse. They were not only a place to play soccer and learn about important life lessons, but they are also a place that allowed me to create so many new friendships and relax and enjoy the game.

There are some individuals who become aware, at a young age, of what it is that they wish to do with their lives. Although some people will inevitably change their minds as they get older or find a new path, others continue, steadfast, directly towards their original goal. For me, the latter rings true. Teaching was something I not only was interested in, but it was something which I could feel was going to be a calling in my life. Much of this is as a result of powerful and passionate educators who lead me to believe that great change could come as a result of teaching. I am lucky to say that I have not only been able to work at an incredible high school, but I also have the privilege of coaching here. It is due to these two roles which I play that I am able to connect with and form relationships with such a diverse group of students. I am able to work academically and athletically with youth from different ethnicities, cultures, genders, religions, socio-economic classes, etc. Although it is my job, in essence, to be the person teaching them, I can claim with undeniable conviction that they are more often than not teaching me. 

A soccer ball is far more than material stitched together; it’s more than a toy or piece of equipment. A soccer ball is a tool which has the power to create change, form bonds, and it speaks a language all on its own. It is because of this that we have created the Sphere of Change Soccer Ball. This ball simultaneously functions as a donation for the children and teens we serve, but it also gives credit to the many amazing sponsors who have helped us along the way. Each year, various organizations, local businesses, and individual sponsors make a donation to our UKSD KizPlay4FreeProject. 

It has been said that, “ If you educate a girl, you empower a nation” ( Queen Rania of Jordan). Beyond just a belief of theory, there is, without a shadow of a doubt, truth to this statement. Girls and women are an integral component to the growth and success of any society or culture. When we educate young women, we empower them to navigate the lives which they want to live rather than the life which may be mapped out for them.

​This education comes in innumerable forms, yet each avenue of exploration can yield profound results. Here, at United Kidz Soccer Development, we have seen this come to life when we use soccer as a tool to teach young women some of the most vital life skills they will ever need. 

​Although many view Cape Cod as a predominantly affluent location, there is a reality in place here which can often go overlooked. This reality is homelessness. Homelessness is defined as an individual or family who is without a permanent dwelling. This can mean that people travel between the  residence of family and friends, between hotels and motels, between shelters, or, for some, in cars or on the streets. Those who are aware of this often asks themselves “What can I do to help”? With this question in mind, the UKSD team set out during these winter months in an effort to help provide answers to that question. As a result of this, we were able to provide crucial and necessary items to those in need.

​As UKSD continues to grow, we have seen and felt the increasing impact we have had on our home of Cape Cod. We have been able to provide year round, free of charge soccer to so many families in our very own community. With free futsal, street, and beach soccer programs, we have been able to positively impact a great portion of our youth.

​Along with free leagues and programs, we have had a successful year with our girl’s soccer academy, as we have worked to create strong technical players who also focus on community service projects and diversity training. In connection to the academy, we have also been able to run many awareness events revolving around increasing education in areas such as homelessness, hunger, and substance abuse. 

Talk about a travel soccer team. You would need an atlas, a passport and a Google map to keep up with members of the Barnstable girls soccer team this off season.
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During the third week of April, several team members vacationed in the Caribbean, but the trek did not consist solely of trips to the beach to lie out in the sun.

With the frigid temperatures plummeting recently and the first snow hitting the Cape last weekend, it’s hard to imagine the peril faced by those less fortunate who are without housing at this time of the year.

Some 35 area high school soccer players recent took part in the Sleepout Soccerthon during the weekend of December 10-11, held at Compass Athletics in Sandwich.