We're Moving a lot this Winter

Former long-time player, alumni, and soon-to-be elevated Enrichment Coordinator Will Inirio (we hope!!) has taken the lead and relaunched our Academic Overtime program, which he was involved with before the pandemic paused its impact.

Last week, youth in our program with a desire to make gains in a specific subject or develop better study habits began working with tutors from Beyond Soccer and Merrimack College.

Six (6) Merrimack College students through the College's Service Learning Department are already committed to tutoring over the next four months, four (4) days/per week. We have a fantastic academic enrichment space with 18 cubicles, a great turf space for a little pre-homework stretching, and healthy snacks ready in our teaching kitchen. It's a multi-layered team effort with all we do, and we look forward to sharing that impact. Here's to "succeeding on and off the field!" Thank you, Will, for taking the lead. It's a prime example of our leadership-through-sports approach!

William is pictured in our Academic Overtime space, repping his Central Catholic gear, his high school alma mater, where he played soccer & now coaches the program's JV team, in addition to advancing our mission work.



Aaden, a current Grade 8 Strikerz Team Member, was named Lawrence Catholic Academy's Peter Lynch Scholar. As most know, our mission, using sport to ensure youth like Aaden benefit from year-round, long-term participation that provides opportunities to really get to know them, including in the classroom, during kitchen cooking courses, through our busy summer camps or team outings, and yes, even birthday parties! That is where our Coach Mentors can have the most influence. Lily's quote embodies that approach. Thank you, Lily and Aaden we look forward to supporting Aaden this spring and during your high school journey!

Lawrence teenager and #CoachMentor Andrea has been involved with Beyond Soccer for many years, playing for our 7/8 Grade girls' Wolverines and high school travel teams. This spring will be her last playing season with us, but that won't stop her from being on fields any time soon. She loves sports, including nine (9) years of softball.

Andrea is a Senior at Austin Prep and is looking forward to attending Coastal Carolina University in the fall. During most of her high school career, she has been a consistent figure in our in-city leagues, contributing as a volunteer Jr. #CoachMentor.

Andrea’s consistent efforts were rewarded with a paid Summer Coach Mentor position through partner Mass Hire last June, and she rose to the occasion, being a vocal leader, helping us with office administration tasks and camp-day registrations. Last fall, she stepped up even more while attending her studies (she has a current 3.5 GPA!) and contributing to our city league as the lead #CoachMentor of the Grade 1&2 girl’s team. They keep her busy and that involvement has turned into her being a permanent fixture during winter futsal. She is always ready to lend a hand and with a smile, like carrying these New Balance warmups to distribute during weekend training in January or dressing up for the Recreational Soccer League players last Halloween! We're grateful to you Andrea and have helped us advance our girls-in-sports and leadership-through-sports priorities!



What do you like most about working with youth? “I like the hands-on experience and meeting different people, both kids, and their families, along the way.”

Other fun facts! Andrea's career interest includes becoming an obstetrician. When she graduates from Coastal Carolina, and we know she will, she will be the first in her immediate family to attend and graduate college!