Bookbags are packed and classrooms are ready. The 2021 school year has begun and with it comes afterschool programming like America SCORES Cleveland. This school year our programming will begin on October 4th. On the field, our students will not only learn soccer skills but also how to live a healthy lifestyle and remain active. In the classroom, our students will learn all about poetry– from rhyme and rhythm to different forms of poetry such as free verse and shape poetry. They will work together to write a group poem that will be showcased at our annual Poetry SLAM. We cannot wait to see our students again and help them learn vital life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and commitment.
When a child signs up for SCORES there is no cost involved; we provide everything our poet-athletes need to fully participate in our afterschool programming. When it comes to soccer we provide the uniforms for games, soccer balls, cones, and whistles for coaches. For our writing sessions, we provide everything from pencils and paper to crayons, markers, and scissors. All a child needs when they start our program is a willingness to learn and excitement for something new and fun.
How are we able to provide everything for our students free of charge? This is only possible through generous support from individuals and community members like you! There are a number of ways you can help our poet-athletes.
We have set up a wishlist through Amazon that includes many of the most needed items for our program. Wishlist items include writing supplies (pencils, paper, etc.), soccer supplies (cones, whistles, etc.), and even books for our JRs. program in the Spring. Please take a moment to look through the list and consider making a donation. Can you help us clear the list by October?
Did you know that just by shopping on Amazon you can help a nonprofit or charity? Shop with Amazonsmile and 0.5% of your purchase will be donated to your chosen charity or nonprofit.
It is very simple to set up. Go to amazonsmile.com, log in and choose your charity (to help us search for America SCORES Cleveland) and that’s it. Now just shop as you normally would and 0.5% of your purchase will automatically go towards your chosen charity!
Unable to make a financial contribution but have some extra time? Another great way to help is to volunteer. We are always looking for volunteers in a variety of areas. You can volunteer to be a referee at one of our soccer games, you can help one of our teams as an assistant coach, or help at one of our special events like our Jamboree event or Red Carpet Poetry SLAM. If you have experience in writing, soccer, or community service and want to share what you have learned, you can be a guest speaker.
If you are interested in volunteering with us please fill out this form and we will be in contact with you to help you find the perfect opportunity. (All volunteer opportunities take place in the Cleveland schools and the greater Cleveland area).
Are you interested in working directly with your students? We are always looking for writing and soccer coaches. A coaching position is paid and requires an 11-week commitment (our Fall season will be October 4th through December 16th). Coaches coach a team twice a week for about 75- 90 minutes depending on the school. As a coach, you will either teach soccer and help prepare students for games or writing skills and prepare them for our Poetry SLAM. (Also coaching takes place in one of the Cleveland Metropolitan Schools).
If you are interested in becoming a coach please fill out our application here.
Donations are the main way we are able to keep our program free to all our students. Any amount helps; $15 provides PPE for one poet-athletes for safe in-person programming, $25 provides writing supplies for one poet-athletes and $75 provides a soccer uniform for one poet-athletes. Any size donation will be greatly appreciated and will help us ensure we can continue to provide high-quality programming to our students.
We are so excited to be back in our schools this year and cannot wait to provide our students with a safe space to find their voice through poetry, learn how to be healthy and active through soccer, and connect with their community. Be sure to keep an eye on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter (@SCORESCleveland), Instagram (@americascorescleveland), and Linkedin) for updates on our programming and events throughout the season.
