Soccer program gives NYC migrant kids a place to play, be part of a community
The A3FC soccer program, the brainchild of a New York City teenager, is giving migrant children and young teens in New York City a chance to play the sport, forge friendships and be part of a team.
Jocelyn Ruiz and her two sons came to New York City over a year ago after migrating from Venezuela. Her oldest son was having a hard time transitioning from shelter to shelter, but she's seen a significant change since enrolling him in a soccer program created for children like him.
”Thank God I found this program, which has helped us a ton," Ruiz said. "He's doing better in school, he's improved a lot."
Ruiz's son is one of 50 children ages 8 to 14 who have had a chance to play through the A3FC soccer program, the brainchild of 16-year-old Talya Landesberg.
“I started hearing about the increasing number of migrant families who are living in shelters in New York,” Landesberg said. “And when I was thinking about how I could help, I thought about soccer, which is the sport I love.”
Through a connection with the local nonprofit Artists-Athletes-Activists, the program is creating a space where migrant kids can just be kids. It's a respite for some of the thousands of migrant families who are facing hurdles after arriving in New York City.
Rating: 5