Smiles and Scores: Reflecting on fall soccer in NewHolly
NewHolly youth gathering around for instruction and motivation from Intercity coaches. Photo credit to Intercity Soccer League.
When DNDA’s summer programs for youth started wrapping up earlier this year, our Art and Neighborhood teams were committed to keeping DNDA’s soccer program running for as long as the weather would allow. Our evening soccer program in NewHolly — part of DNDA’s Summer Youth Program (SYP) — was well-loved by the community, with strong attendance from 5 to 18-year-olds. DNDA was able to keep the program going through October with help from our supporters and partners at the Seattle Housing Authority!
Every Wednesday in September and October, Intercity Soccer League showed up to train, motivate, and encourage about 20 youth players on the RAVE Foundation Field in NewHolly. Intercity’s coaches brought endless energy and passion out of the kids — with help from fruit snacks. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to cultivating player character and self-confidence through soccer.
NewHolly youth and head coach Elemo taking a break during soccer practice. Photo credit to Intercity Soccer League.
“Fall soccer went great,” said Elemo Mussa, Intercity’s head coach, co-founder, and a summer program coordinator for DNDA. “The kids and parents loved the program. After the six weeks, we were disappointed to wrap up. The program was popular with the community.”
NewHolly youth enjoying soccer practice with friends and family watching. Photo credit to Intercity Soccer League.
Families and other children in the nearby neighborhoods came out to watch the games and enjoy spending time with one another. Even when the players felt tired, the youth learned resilience and team building skills. By sunset, each team member headed home feeling a sense of accomplishment for their hard work.
A community playfield brings kids of all ages together to learn more about themselves, their environment, their neighbors, and how to build community. By encouraging youth to understand and harness the profound impact they have on their community, DNDA’s Art team — who coordinates SYP each year— considers soccer not only as a form of art, but an artistic process.
NewHolly soccer players bonding as a team. Photo credit to Intercity Soccer League.
Thank you to Intercity and the NewHolly community for your continued partnership with DNDA.
— Written by DNDA’s EcoArts Program Coordinator Erin Kollar