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Soccer Without Borders

-Elizabeth Chinery, Junior Community Outreach Coordinator

SWB Colorado

Soccer Without Borders is an non-profit organization, founded by Ben Gucciardi in 2006, that aims “to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change, providing under-served youth with a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion, and personal success.” Its values include:

  • The inherent potential and gifts of all young people
  • Honesty and authenticity in speech and action
  • All learners as teachers and all teachers as learners
  • Openness to all perspectives, voices, and people

The organization has grown drastically through the last twelve years with global presence in 10 countries on 3 continents including programs developed in programs developed in 5 US states (California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington) as well as Nicaragua and Uganda, reaching over 2,000 youth annually and over 10,000 youth throughout its years.

SWB’s program is modeled to meet the needs of the target population of each individual location and create “a team environment defined by consistent leaders, dynamic and relevant program activities, and a culture of acceptance.” Its impact highlights include language development (including the SWB Baltimore’s integration of language learning into field practice), academic advancement through tactics such as academic intervention and regular tutoring, and reciprocal impact (i.e. volunteers learning from the participants as they also teach them).

To learn more about Soccer Without Borders, contact an ambassador, or become an ambassador to get your community involved click the link below!

https://www.soccerwithoutborders.org/

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