“This summer Arizona Soccer Association (ASA) partnered with Excel Soccer Academy and Osborn School District to launch a free after-school program for elementary school aged kids”. Read the full article below.
| Arizona Soccer Association: Free After-School Program This summer Arizona Soccer Association (ASA) partnered with Excel Soccer Academy and Osborn School District to launch a free after-school program for elementary school aged kids. Osborn School District is located in the heart of Phoenix, AZ and serves nearly 3000 students. This Title 1 district with a historically underserved population has a diverse student group that serves 4 elementary, 1 middle, 1 community, and a new online learning school. Excel Soccer Academy serves within the school district’s boundaries and kicked off the free afterschool program to Osborn’s 4 elementary schools this fall. Participants grades K-6 had the opportunity to enjoy two (2) six weeklong sessions during the fall. Each school had one session a week for 1 hour and 20 minutes per day. With Excel Soccer Academy Director of Coaching Stryker Aguilar leading the curriculum and staff, the inaugural fall session saw 220+ kids participate. This free program led by Aguilar and Excel Soccer Academy will continue this spring of 2024. Excel Soccer Academy Director Stryker Aguilar and Community Champion for Osborn School District had this to say about the opportunity to serve, “The after-school soccer program for the Osborn School District is a fantastic platform for young students to be introduced to grassroots soccer. Excel Soccer Academy and the Arizona Soccer Association have worked together to provide an environment for the children in the district to learn new skills, exercise, promote teamwork and cooperation and have lots of fun!” This blueprint will help Arizona Soccer Association to grow this free after school program to an additional 1-2 other districts in 2024-2025 with a goal of serving 6-8 districts statewide by 2026-2027. This will increase visibility within the community and open doors in areas with the most need with a true desire to make it the most accessible and affordable sport to play. The drive within the community and individual students is to increase school attendance, promote healthier lifestyles, make a connection between school and classmates, and promote personal development. This program was funded by local grants. Arizona Soccer Association looks forward to continuing to support Excel Soccer Academy and Osborn School District for years to come. |