Heading into Summer with a Splash--After “All Kinds of Spring Firsts”

🎉 From Player to Program Leader — Go Declan!

We’re thrilled to welcome Declan as our new Summer Enrichment Coordinator! His journey began back in 2015 as a player. Since then, he’s grown into a Jr coach, a summer coach mentor, and now—fresh off his graduation from Westfield State—he’s stepping into a full-time leadership role. He’ll coordinate our camps and community partnerships, guiding a team of youth hires. It’s a full-circle moment we’re proud of—and a big win for the program, too.

⚽ 700 Strong — A Record-Breaking Spring!

This spring marked a new milestone for our program: More than 700 youth—from age 4 to 18 —took the field with us.

Was it easy? Not at all. We faced a rainy, unpredictable season, and the need for more fields and coach mentors was real. But what’s even more real? The heart, hustle, and dedication of our coach mentors, and youth leaders including more than two dozen junior coaches who made it happen.

💪🏽Youth Leading Youth: The Power of Junior Coaches 💪🏽

An important part of our program is leadership—and it starts early. Our junior coaches, typically 7th to 9th grade volunteers, show up before their own practices to mentor younger players on the field.

This season, 14 junior coach mentors dedicated their time, supporting our youngest participants. For those elementary-age players, seeing middle and high schoolers from their own schools and neighborhoods leading the way is powerful. It’s mentorship in action—and a reminder that leadership begins with showing up.

🎓 Celebrating Our Seniors🎓This year's cohort of 13 seniors are ALL heading off to college —a mix of 2 & 4-yr programs — with many being the first in their families to take this exciting step.💫

Among them is Lawrence High grad, Jacob Calle, who joined us as a 3rd grader (far left). This fall, he'll attend Merrimack College to study biology. His journey, marked by dedication, heart, and humility, is a reflection of what our community is all about. Jacob is also a finalist for the Paul “Lefty” Wennik Outstanding Character Scholarship, which we'll announce soon. Also, did you know the average # of years this cohort has been with us is 7.5 years!

🐾It's another first...

A girls team advanced to the finals of the Essex County Youth Soccer Championship—and they did it with grit, grace, and an undefeated regular season.

Meet the Grade 6 Jaguars, led by Coach Mentor Esmeralda, a former player who returned to guide the next generation. Her leadership, grounded in lived experience, sparked something powerful in the team.

The girls rose to the moment—for her, and for each other.

Despite early-season rainouts, the Jaguars didn’t lose momentum. They persevered, set new records, and drew strength from our Beyond Resilient Girls curriculum (with Center for Healing & Justice through Sports), which emphasizes:

🌀 Perseverance

💪 Resilience

🔥 Effort

🌟 Attitude

Thanks to your support, more girls are stepping into leadership, building confidence & making history—together.

🌟Thanks to the amazing support of the New Balance Foundation, our players had a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a visit from none other than James Rodríguez—Colombian football legend, Golden Boot winner, and World Cup All-Star. The excitement was sky-high as James dropped in on our Grade 7–8 players at Riverwalk Pavilion—watching them in action, then sitting down for a heartfelt, high-energy Q&A.

👟Celebrating Coach Mentor Ana 🧡

This past soccer season, Coach Mentor Ana went above and beyond—& then some (pictured back-center).

With stellar communication, unmatched sideline energy, and consistent, thoughtful instruction, Anna brought her whole heart to the field every single week. Her high-fives, encouragement, and unwavering dedication left a lasting impression on every player she coached.

But her leadership didn’t stop there.

She made sure her team got all the off-the-field stuff they deserved — including organizing a trampoline park outing and hosting her own, personalized end-of-season event. Every player was honored with personalized prizes and shoutouts that recognized their growth and unique contributions (see smiling athletic award recipient above).

Coach Ana returns this fall with her rising fourth-grade squad, and we couldn’t be more excited — or more grateful — to welcome her back.

Thank you, Ana, for leading with purpose, positivity, and heart. You make this community stronger. 🧡

🌟💫 A group of Beyond Soccer girls joined more than 200 young leaders from Greater Boston and Brockton at the annual Dream Big! Leadership Conference at UMass Boston in June—a powerful day dedicated to leadership, resilience, and the life-changing impact of sports. Throughout the event, our students heard from an incredible lineup of women leaders across sports, business, and civic life. They shared honest, personal stories about the challenges they’ve faced and the pivotal role sports played in building their confidence, purpose, and perseverance.

🤝 We’re especially proud to recognize the City of Lawrence for its support through the Creating a Thriving Lawrence grant, which continues to fuel growth, equity, & collaboration—not just within our programs, but citywide.

For the past 2 years, we’ve received $15,000 annually through this impactful grant, offseting critical facility and staffing costs. \

This investment has expanded year-round soccer access, boosted academic enrichment, and strengthened our leadership programs.

( A slide from our recent City Council Presentation)

Just as significantly, the City's Creating a Thriving Lawrence initiative is also strengthening sports and recreation opportunities through the Lawrence Sports Alliance—a collaborative effort we're proud to be part of alongside Everyone's A Player and many others. Together, we're advancing a "rising tide lifts all boats" approach—uniting nonprofits, city departments, like the Mayor's Health Task Force (MHTF), and local initiatives to expand access to sports and physical activity for more youth across Lawrence. We're especially energized by Championing Her Game, a citywide effort led by EAP, MHTF, the Alliance, and other partners to uplift girls in sports. That initiative aligns with our own Beyond Resilient Girls program. Stay tuned—and thanks again, City of Lawrence, for making this possible! 🙌

Angel & Michael Shine On and Off the Field 🌟

We’re proud to spotlight two incredible members of our Beyond Soccer family—Angel and Michael—former players who continue to lead as coach-mentors while thriving in college. Recently, both were honored at Northern Essex Community College’s Student Athlete End of Year Celebration, earning the NECC Student Athlete Award for maintaining GPAs of 3.0+ while contributing to their teams & campus life.

Angel, who coaches our Grade 7 Thunder team, had his award shared by Soccer Director Chris in the team’s WhatsApp group. The reaction? A flood of proud messages from players and families. One parent captured it perfectly: “He is a really great example.”

Their journeys are exactly what “Leadership Through Sports” looks like—returning as coach mentors, staying committed to their goals, and showing younger players what’s possible. We’re honored to have them on our team!

(Angel, 2nd from left, and Michael, far right)

⭐ A Parent’s Perspective: “So Worth It!” We love hearing from families! In fact, we ask for feedback after every program. When parents go the extra mile—like Betina, who shared this glowing Google review—we feel even more motivated to keep doing what we do:

“At first, I was skeptical about Beyond Soccer—the price seemed too good to be true. But after my stepson’s first practice, I was amazed! The coaches are true role models, and the kids are incredibly supportive. We even got to meet a professional soccer player!

My son has developed remarkable skills, techniques, and confidence. He’s stronger, more passionate, and wouldn’t miss a practice or game for anything. It’s wonderful to see him love something more than video games!

I can’t wait for the summer and fall programs—and to see even more growth in my son through Beyond Soccer. So worth it! We love it!”

We’re incredibly grateful for families like Betina’s who trust us with their children’s growth—on and off the field. 💙⚽

🌟Director Stephanie & EAP’s Michelle Adamic celebrating Arlington School Phys Ed Director Maggie at the YWCA Tribute to Women event.

🌅 A beautiful sunset over the grass fields that saved our season—thank you, GLTS!

🐊 Arlington School Gators who Soccer Director Chris worked closely with through April.

🎓 One of our Academic Overtime students with his Merrimack College volunteer tutor.

💪 A proud moment with Coach Mentor Angel and the Gr. 6 Rebels, full of energy.

📸 A special selfie from the Dream Big Leadership Conference with Wolverines players.

🤝 Dedicated Coach Mentor Fernando leading a committed Jr. coach.

🌧️ Jr. Coaches in the rain with some rec players—showing commitment, rain or shine!

⚽ Coach Mentor David, once a player, now leading the Grade 4 Eagles with dedication.

🌧️ Despite the rain, Coach Mentor Dominic and the Gr 8 Strikerz pushing through!

🏟️ More practice time from the wonderful Pavilion at Riverwalk field!

🍽️ Soccer Director Chris and Coach Mentor Issandel with the Donated Easter Meals.

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