Oakland, California – The Auckland Roots and Soul Soccer Team is lending its expertise to local elementary schools in a program that increases access to sport for Auckland students.
One of the biggest barriers for children in underserved communities is the lack of qualified coaches to train them. So the club established the Auckland Coaches Academy.
The Auckland Coaches Academy provides extensive training and enables coaches to support the town's next generation of professional footballers.
This is an ongoing partnership between the club and the Oakland Unified School District, with the goal of bringing inclusive soccer to all 51 elementary schools by the time the 2026 FIFA World Cup is held in the Bay Area.
“We can't implement a sports program without involving caring adults,” said Chen Conwick of the OUSD Office of Extended Learning.
On Saturday, the club held a free soccer clinic at Highland Community Elementary School in East Oakland with the nonprofit organization Girls Leading Goals as part of the program.
Roots defender Babukar Njii also joined in on the fun.
“At this stage, I'm much better than when I was younger,” Njie said. “It's important for young people, especially young girls, to continue playing some type of sport, because I think girls are very limited when it comes to sports and most of the time they're told they can't do it.” . ”
They carry out drills, teach the girls how to pass and defend goals, and build confidence in the girls.
Adults are also getting something out of it, like coach Clarence Mule, who has coached youth sports in Oakland for 13 years. This is his first time coaching soccer.
“They're giving me opportunities, like these kids, like this coaching clinic, that I can't afford, but through this program, I can get there.” Mule said. “I hope one of these girls plays in Seoul soon. I think we got some prospects here!”
It's all free for kids and coaches.
Academy graduates will not only receive training in first aid, youth mental health, and critical social and emotional intelligence skills, but will also graduate with official certification from the U.S. Soccer Federation.
