Soccer and Mentorship for At-Risk Youth in Chattanooga

Vital Stats

Claire S

Chattanooga, TN

people helped60
People Doing It15

The Problem

Chattanooga, TN is facing a number of issues like gang violence and crimes that are beginning to become more evident to the rest of the city. But the kids of inner-city Chattanooga are facing these issues on a daily basis, it is a part of their normal life, and that is not right or just. The Kids of Inner-City Chattanooga are inherently important: Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14 “[The Lord] raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the garbage pile. He seats them with noblemen and gives them a throne of honor.” 1 Samuel 2:6 “Listen my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?” James 2:5 Our demographic target, kids ages 8-14 living in the inner-city neighborhoods of Chattanooga: 26% of kids in Tennessee are living in poverty[1] 6.8% are from households living on less than $22,704[2] 23% of African Americans and 11.5% of Latinos are born to or becoming teen parents[3] 15% of students ages 9-19 are involved in gang activities in Hamilton County[4] Most are dealing with the consequences and/or fear of gang activity on a daily basis And most are at-risk of becoming diabetic or dealing with other life-threatening health problems due to obesity[5] [1] http://datacenter.kidscount.org/DataBook/2012/OnlineBooks/KIDSCOUNT2012DataBookFullReport.pdf [2] The Percentage of 10-14 year olds in Hamilton County who live in households with incomes of less than 50% of Hamilton County’s Median Income ($45,408). Source: US Bureau of the Census. American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates. [3] Data from 2008 reported in The Ochs Center’s The State of the Region 2010: Health [4] 762 student out of 5,057 responded Yes to whether or not they are currently or have been gang affiliated. Source: Comprehensive Gang Assessment from the Och’s Center and UTC. [5] “Death rates among African Americans in the Hamilton County were significantly higher than among whites, especially for deaths due to diabetes (more than double), heart disease (61% higher), stroke (20% higher), and cancer (18% higher).” Source: The Ochs Center’s The State of the Region 2010: Health

Plan of Action

CSM has been hosting a Summer Soccer league and program for 8 years in Chattanooga. We recruit girls and boys from East Chattanooga, East Lake, and Alton Park to play on our soccer teams and take part in health education, team bible studies, and enter mentoring relationships with our Coaches. Now our kids are demanding School Year leagues and thanks to our partnership with North River Soccer Association (NRSA), it's now becoming an ongoing reality. We seek to fight the problems that kids in the Inner-City face through: Mentoring – Provide one-on-one mentorship relationships for at-risk youth, showing them that they have dignity and worth, and providing access to a caring adult for their emotional concerns and outlet. Diversity – Promote cultural and racial diversity by teaching those of different backgrounds to work together as a team, and by modeling diversity in our staff and coaches. Evangelism – Demonstrate who Jesus is and what He has accomplished for us in a relevant manner to our youth; using Whole Life Coaching's integrative curriculum. Health Benefits – Mandated complete physical to determine sports worthiness, and increase the physical wellbeing of our players through regular physical exercise and good nutrition. Safe Competition – Involvement in a team sport, soccer in particular, not only cultivates and nurtures a competitive spirit in a healthy manner, but also increases self-confidence, an issue especially pertinent to all of our players. Specific resources needed for the Spring Season: *money: $1,500.00 (transportation and healthy snacks) *materials: -Access to 4 large passenger vans -Healthy Snacks -Sports Drinks/Waters -New/Gently Used cleats, various sizes -Black athletic shorts, various sizes -Shin Guards, various sizes *expertise/volunteers: 4 - Committed Coaches (Age 18 & up) 4 - Committed Assistant Coaches (age 15-17) 2 - Van Drivers each weekend 4 - Team Parents/Fan Clubs *facilities: 1 - Centrally located soccer field, 4 times per week