HAPPY HOLIDAYS
BEYOND SOCCER’S ANNUAL APPEAL IS UNDERWAY
Please consider supporting Beyond Soccer with a year-end donation today so that 1,000 kids get access to soccer and related off the field enrichment programs. Learn More

YearEnd2014_FrontImage
Pedro’s Story: Soccer has been the lifeline for five-year Beyond Soccer standout, Pedro Lopez. Pedro could have easily chosen the wrong path after his single father’s death in 2011. Soccer play provided him with a safe haven for his grief and an opportunity to stay busy after school. His journey has been arduous, marked with setbacks, but our continuing commitment to Pedro is what makes the difference. Now an honor roll student at the Greater Lawrence Tech, he helped his team qualify for their first playoff bid since 1985. Pedro also plays for the more competitive, Benfica club team on scholarship. Beyond Soccer has extended Pedro’s support base. He now has caring adult and peer mentors, encouraging him at every turn. Your gift will significantly impact Pedro’s dreams – and other Beyond Soccer kids’ similar dreams yet to be told.

Time for Reflection…
Although our school-day programs are still in full swing, this is the time of year when we step back and  reflect on our programs, impact and challenges. We  are proud of what we’ve accomplished since our launch in March 2011, but we know we can do better.  We remain grateful to our friends and community partners who only fuel our commitment to Lawrence  kids and families.
Here is a small sampling of some of our 2014  successes:
We are providing soccer and wellness programs to elementary school kids at 4 Lawrence Public Schools. More than 650 students in grades K-4, will be  reached. Can you believe we are providing 553 hours  of sport, fitness and nutrition education in 2014/2015?
Our first Beyond Soccer high school graduate, Chaskiesha Figueroa, is attending Western New England College on full scholarship. A highlight was Chas’ keynote address at the Catholic School Foundation’s Inner-City Scholarship Dinner in front of 1,000 people. Chas’ keynote was followed by Robert Kraft, yes Robert Kraft, owner of the Revs & Patriots!
78 Beyond Soccer high school kids are playing sports at 13 area public and private high schools and 73% are honor roll students. We anticipate a 100% high school graduation rate over the next 2 years. Did you know the Greater Lawrence Tech’s varsity soccer teams qualified for their first-ever league playoffs and Lawrence High will field its first girls varsity team – ever? We know our programs have had a lot to do with those accomplishments.
We will be developing the City’s first youth soccer field thanks to a state grant to the City of Lawrence and Beyond Soccer’s $200,000 U.S. Soccer Foundation grant.
Please consider sponsoring a Beyond Soccer student-athlete today!