Tweet of the day (8/22/14)

Missed @DCSCORESInterns Tweets from #SCORESummer? No worries- relive the action w/our #Storify http://t.co/EIbm6zFkYK pic.twitter.com/nSsAPw6oXB

— DC SCORES (@DCSCORES) August 19, 2014

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DC SCORES has Moves and Rhymes!

Most people are familiar with the soccer component of DC SCORES but did you know that there is a POETIC component too?

Each fall, all DC SCORES youth participate in a three-month curriculum that culminates in every school performing original works of spoken word at the annual "Poetry Slam!".

Mark your calendars NOW for December 3-4, the dates of this year's slam. It will be held at Powell Elementary School.

Here's a video to keep you entertained in the meantime: Poetry Slam!.

Tweets of the day (8/4/14)

"Perfect!" says @mentorup student William to Mr. George as he creates an email account at @AARPD C digital training pic.twitter.com/7pZ9yoE2gB

— AARP DC (@AARPDC) July 31, 2014

TV SEGMENT: Check out the awesome @newschannel8 segment on our program! http://t.co/XsmXGev0fP pic.twitter.com/HR2EVW93i6

— DC SCORES (@DCSCORES) July 31, 2014

DC SCORES: A memorable last week of camp!

This past Tuesday, July 29, DC SCORES greeted special visitors--professional soccer player Javier Zanetti from Inter Milan and coaches from Manchester United!

Zanetti was fabulous with the kids, guiding them through a series of fun drills and then answering questions about playing professionally. The students were thrilled about being up close and personal with a professional soccer player and getting to talk to him about his experiences.

“I would ask him how long he would practice, because if I wanted to be a soccer player I need to know how I need to train,” camper Eryck E. said. Each camper also got their own autograph--be it their cleats, soccer balls, or even cellphones.

Later that afternoon, DC SCORES participants enjoyed a clinic led by the Manchester coaches. Coaches led drills that professional players go through on a regular basis.

“It was exciting because they were teaching us stuff that they also teach professional players,” Jose Q reflected. "It almost felt like we were able to step inside the shoes of a professional soccer player."

Additionally, the coaches encouraged everyone to stay focused and driven--this advice from established professionals made the experience even more meaningful!

See the full blog post HERE.

Nana Asare: A Determined DC SCORES Alum

A former DC SCORES participant, Nana Asare, is moving to Vermont this fall for his freshman year at Johnson State College. He will be the first member of his family to attend college. Just this mere fact alone is remarkable. Yet, 18-year-old Nana has overcome many additional obstacles to be where he is today.

Born in Ghana, Nana moved to the United States when he was toddler. Even as a young boy, Nana dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. However, when Nana was hit by a car while crossing a street in second grade, his world was shaken. The impact of the car resulted in Nana breaking his femur in his left leg and fracturing his skull.

Worried about his health, Nana’s parents thought he should end his soccer career and pursue other goals. However, even eleven surgeries later, Nana was resilient in his goal of becoming a professional soccer player.

“Nana has been a paragon of determination since the accident,” writes DC SCORES, “but it took him awhile to develop the focus and discipline that allowed him to juggle playing varsity soccer and academics at Wilson High School.”

Nana isn’t shy to admit it—he was hard-headed and full of behavioral issues during his early years at Brightwood Education Campus. That is, until he joined DC SCORES in the fourth grade and met soccer coach, Shannon Nelson.

“She became a mentor-mother figure while I was at school,” describes Nana. “She just made sure I had the right necessary tools to learn and live the life that I want to live. To this day we still keep in contact.”

With Coach Nelson’s influence, day by day, Nana became a kinder classmate and better student.

Nana spent five years as a DC SCORES participant at Brightwood and then Paul Public Charter School, playing soccer — of course — but also learning to express himself through the art of poetry. Writing poetry helped Nana develop public speaking and leadership skills.

Now, Nana is following in Coach Nelson’s footsteps and paving the way for others. He is braving the heat this summer and working at Marie Reed Elementary School as a Summer Youth Employment Program worker at DC SCORES’ Soccer & Arts camp.

Nana has taken one child, Jonathan, under his wing because he sees so many similarities to his younger self. Jonathan is a hard-headed kid who loves soccer.

“He’s just been that one kid that I can say I’ve seen myself in when I look at him. I’ve been a knucklehead, I’ve been hard-headed, I’ve been stubborn at his age. It just takes that one person to have you under their wings to guide you the right way and you’ll be good.”

One City Youth wishes Nana the best of luck in college and congratulate him on his accomplishments!

Read Nana’s full story and see more photos from DC SCORES on the DC SCORES blog.

Tweet of the day (7/5/14)

BLOG: The 1st week of #SCORESsummer brought 100 youth from different parts of DC 2gether! http://t.co/9qfrGVsapU pic.twitter.com/6v8CIXUVyP

— DC SCORES (@DCSCORES) July 2, 2014