New York's football school, South Bronx United, triumphs in the Laureus Sports for Good awards, aiding underprivileged youth in fulfilling their dreams.
In the heart of New York City, South Bronx United (SBU) stands as a beacon of hope for the community's youth. Established around 2009, this community-based youth soccer organisation uses the passion for soccer to foster education, social integration, and community empowerment.
Founded to address social challenges such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and social fragmentation, SBU creates a supportive environment where young people from diverse backgrounds—many of whom are immigrants or from low-income families—can come together to build skills both on and off the field.
The organisation combines athletic training with academic support and mentorship, helping participants improve their educational outcomes through tutoring and college preparation programs. Over the years, SBU has provided hundreds of youth with free soccer training and competitive play opportunities, helping them develop leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence.
One such success story is that of Maria Martinez, an 18-year-old Mexican who obtained a US residence card (green card) through SBU. Maria, who is now training a group of children through SBU, credits the organisation for helping her in every possible way, including supporting her studies, helping her access university, and becoming a better person. She feels honoured to have become a role model for others through SBU.
Another inspiring story is that of Mohamed Konate, originally from the Ivory Coast, who arrived in the US speaking only French. SBU helped Mohamed navigate his new environment, igniting his passion for soccer in the process. Today, Mohamed considers the members of SBU as his brothers, describing the organisation as a family that takes care of each other, with members being "brothers keepers."
SBU's impact extends beyond the field. The organisation has fostered social cohesion by uniting a culturally diverse group of youths and families in the community, breaking down barriers across ethnicity, language, and socioeconomic status. The South Bronx neighbourhood, which has the highest poverty rate in the country, benefits from SBU's community events that encourage family engagement and promote cultural pride.
The organisation's ongoing projects and initiatives include youth soccer leagues and summer camps, after-school academic programs and college readiness workshops, community events, and partnerships with local schools and organisations to expand resources and outreach.
Recently, SBU was recognised on a global scale when it won the Sports for Good award at the Laureus 2020 Awards. The award, a difficult decision among more than 200 projects of the Foundation, was presented at a press conference hosted by former soccer player Nia Kunzer and others.
As we look forward, it is clear that South Bronx United continues to make a significant impact on the lives of its members and the community at large, demonstrating that sports programs, particularly soccer, can serve as powerful platforms for community development and social cohesion in urban, diverse neighbourhoods facing economic and social challenges.
- South Bronx United (SBU) not only provides personal growth opportunities through soccer but also offers educational support and self-development programs, helping young people from diverse backgrounds in the heart of New York City improve their academic outcomes.
- The passion for soccer at SBU extends beyond the field, as it fosters teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence—skills that are crucial for personal growth and success in life.
- The organisation's success stories, like Maria Martinez's and Mohamed Konate's, are a testament to how sports, specifically soccer, can also serve as a platform for education, social integration, and community empowerment— Key elements of South Bronx United's mission.
