Member Spotlight: We gave Esmeralda (“Esme”) her first pair of cleats in 2007 when she was an eager 5th grade student, and since then have been connecting her to growth experiences at every turn. She competed on Lawrence’s first-ever girls travel soccer team (the “Wolves”), attended camps as far away as New Jersey and has mentored our city youth as a “junior coach” the last 4 summers. Her commitment to team, health, school and community was recognized with a full scholarship to Fryeburg Academy. Those same attributes were acknowledged by her teammates, teachers and coaches in Maine, earning her high honor roll grades and selection as varsity soccer captain. Today, we are helping Esme with her college applications and are confident she will be one of our first female athletes, and perhaps one of a very small group of females, from Lawrence, to play collegiate soccer. It is obvious she will continue making impressions in college, and beyond, that will lead to great success in the world.

More kids, new partners, better playing spaces
Our fall Soccer and Wellness  programs have already reached 760 elementary and middle school kids at 8 Lawrence Public Schools, for a total of 325 program hours! Our awesome school-day staff gets kids moving, promotes teamwork, self-control, good nutrition and fun. We are especially grateful to our community partners; Community Group, YMCA and Boys & Girls Club.
Our largest wave of high school seniors are receiving college acceptance letters and we anticipate a continued, 100% graduation rate. Esmeralda, highlighted above, is one of those kids. She, along with Fryeburg Academy Co-Captain and long-time Beyond Soccer alum, Oriagna, are stockpiling acceptances, and both will play Div II or III soccer – a first for our group! A handful of boys are also participating in local college tryouts. We look forward to updating you with their final destinations.
 
A first-ever youth dedicated soccer field is being developed in South Lawrence. This 3-acre lot will include a practice field area (#4), walking path (#3) and outdoor gym equipment (#2), all part of an effort to make Lawrence a healthier place to live and work. It’s so exciting to see years of hard work come together for the benefit of Lawrence kids and families. Thank you Groundwork Lawrence & City of Lawrence!
 
Fall travel soccer included our first U-10 boys teams & two undefeated U-14 teams. Because it’s hard to get our kids into local tournaments (high transport & registration costs), our Director of Soccer Programs, Edgar Escalante, organized an all-day tournament – in Lawrence – for hundreds of kids and families. I see an exciting soccer tradition on the horizon, especially as we expand playing spaces in the City! Check out our blog for more tourney news.
Board of Directors: Charissa Rigano, Paul Wennik, Dave Heckendorn, Ellen McArdle, Christian Figueroa, Michael McArdle, Chaskeisha Figueroa. Advisory Board: Ray Robinson, Bill Tarbox