SSUSA uses team sports to help adults and youths (ages 15+) overcome homelessness. SSUSA continues to innovate and lead in the development of new solutions to poverty and homelessness through sports. SSUSA is a national league of sport for social change programs in 20 cities across the country. Players commit to change their lives by setting three, six, and 12 month personal goals. With the assistance of coaches and volunteers, each player is held accountable to meet – and even exceed – their vision for a better self. By creating a team structure that is fun, positive, and universal, it provides participants with a family-like support group that helps build relationships of trust and stability. Each player is fundamentally challenged both by team and personal demands, expectations and accountability, helping to build character, confidence, and hope. Research shows that SSUSA reaches more than 20% of the chronically homeless in a given service area, and realizes a 75% success rate in effecting a positive life change such as addressing a substance abuse problem or mental health issue, securing full-time employment or moving off the street. The sense of belonging, mentorship, and structure that SSUSA programs provide can be the difference between people languishing on the street and successfully re-integrating into society. Since 2006, SSUSA annually hosts the Street Soccer USA Cup, a major sports for social change event.
