May is a time to raise awareness for those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma many may experience. Youth can learn so many life lessons from sports that really help their social and psychological well-being. A study by pediatrician, Dr. Molly C. Easterlin, found that team sports in adolescence were associated with less depression and anxiety in young adulthood. Youth can learn so many life lessons from sports that really help their social well-being and their psychological well-being as well.

As May comes to an end, continue to focus on the healing value of connecting in safe ways, prioritizing mental health, and acknowledging that mental health is just as important as physical health.

Ameena Soliman

To celebrate this historic anniversary, the Collaborative will continue to highlight the significant contributions of Philadelphia women who have left their mark on the sports world and in the lives of many. This month's feature is Ameena Soliman, Philadelphia Eagles Pro Scout.

Ameena Soliman’s relationship with sport developed while watching football with family and friends growing up. Soliman’s father also worked for Temple University Hospital, where a number of his clinical colleagues worked as medical staff for the Temple Owls football team, leading to her Owls’ game as a fan in 2009. It was then that Soliman began her own journey as an owl. 

When Soliman arrived at Temple in 2014 for her undergraduate degree, she knew she wanted to work with the football team but didn’t know in what capacity. She soon became a tutor for student-athletes in the Resnick Academic Support Center. The interpersonal skills gained and the relationships Soliman cultivated offered her the opportunity to become a recruiting intern for the Owls football team. She continued to hold this position for three of the most successful years in Temple football history. 

After graduation, she continued her studies at Temple University, studying sports business. Following her passion for football, Soliman spent months as a football operations and recruiting graduate assistant for the Temple Owls. After the departure of Coach Matt Rhule in 2016, Soliman maintained the program and recruiting pipeline. “It was a well-run program. There are still people I keep in touch with to this day,” Soliman said.

After receiving her Masters in Sports Business at Temple, Soliman moved on to working for the NFL as a player personnel assistant. After a year at the league’s headquarters, Soliman realized she missed the closeness of working for a team. When the opportunity for a training camp intern for the Philadelphia Eagles was presented to Soliman, she jumped at the chance. Soliman’s experience in the league quickly advanced her from intern to scouting assistant, and now to professional scout. 

Click Here to learn more about Ameena Soliman and her story.

CHJS Summer Learning Session

June 22- October 4

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) in partnership with the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport (CHJS) is offering four sessions focused on healing-centered sports. Summer Learning Community is for participants to learn how sport and physical activity impact social-emotional learning, and assist in healing from trauma.

Click Here to Register

241 Sports Camp

July 11- July 15, 9 am - 12 pm

The 2-4-1 Philadelphia camp is a comprehensive Physical Literacy Development Program for students Grade 3-9 that blends the traditional 2-4-1 Sports camp model of sport sampling with social-emotional learning and character skill development.

Click Here to Register

Team Up Philly Saturday Tennis

April 30- June 11, 3 - 4:30 pm

Sessions are open to all 4th-8th grade girls for free and will be held at Shepard Rec Center. ALL equipment is provided. Sessions consist of tennis instruction and fitness, followed by snacks and values/academic learning.

Click Here to Register

Starfinder Golazo! Girls Soccer Clinic

June 27 - July 1

Starfinder is holding a one-week Golazo! Girls clinic for female-identifying players age 10-14 from June 27th-July 1st. Join us for technical and tactical instruction and small-sided games led by coaches trained in best practices for supporting female soccer players.

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Camp Girls on the Run

July 11-15

Camp GOTR is a week-long session for rising 3rd – 5th-grade girls led by caring and qualified Girls on the Run coaches. Camp GOTR provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for girls to develop self-confidence, have fun with friends, and learn life skills they can use now and as they grow.

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Regional Foundation Center 'Ask a Nonprofit Expert: Grant Writing'

June 8, 10 am

This is a great opportunity for organizations to meet one-on-one with a consultant to discuss how to put together a competitive grant proposal. During the meeting with your consultant, you can discuss how to identify suitable grantors, what they expect in a grant application, and how to create a stellar grant proposal.

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Board Development, Governance, and Recruitment Training with Steven Lewis

Watch Recording Here

Social Media Strategy for Nonprofits

Watch Recording Here 

Introduction to Finding Grants

Watch Recording Here

Bicycle Coalition Coordinator of Youth Cycling Program

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Positive Coaching Alliance Trainer

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Summer at Camp Smith Camp Counselor

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Playworks Americorps Coach '22

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Playworks Chief Development Officer

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Starfinder Summer Camp Coach

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