Boston Scores helps urban youth build essential life skills and character through soccer and team-based enrichment programs. We envision a world where all youth feel a sense of belonging and achieve their full potential. Boston Scores is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an affiliate of America SCORES. Boston Scores’ programs were born out of the desire to close the opportunity gap for students in inner-city Boston, with a specific focus on soccer and out-of-school time enrichment activities. While soccer is generally played across economic classes internationally, the sport is dominated by a “pay to play” model in the United States, requiring considerable financial contributions to cover equipment costs, travel expenses, club fees, and much more. Play equity gaps lead to health equity gaps. And systemic barriers to joining high quality teams and leagues deprive our society of a vast resource of youth talent, eager for a place to belong and an opportunity to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership and commitment. At Boston Scores, students can join a free soccer team at their school. Students also move with their teammates from the field to the classroom, where they engage in hands-on curricula geared towards their interest levels. They experience the benefits of physical activity, positive relationships with peers and coach-mentors, and emerge empowered to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities.
