As we complete our latest round of scholarships for competitive soccer, it becomes more and more clear at how easy it is for Valley youth to get priced out of playing soccer (and all organized sports for that matter). According to the United States Census Bureau, "American Community Survey 2019”, 20.8% of the population in Fresno, CA (202k out of 973k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.8%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 25 - 34, followed by Males 6 - 11 and then Females 6 - 11. The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Fresno, CA is Hispanic, followed by White and Other. In 2020, the median household income of the 310k households in Fresno, CA grew to $57,109 from the previous year's value of $53,969. (Reference). Now imagine the cost of playing an organized sport with club fees, uniform fees, cleats and balls, and tournaments. It is disheartening to realize how easy it is for our Valley youth to miss out on the opportunity to play and benefit from sports.
Scholarships play a vital role in supporting youth soccer players living in low-income counties like Fresno, California. These scholarships provide opportunities that can positively impact the lives of these young athletes in various ways.
Access to Quality Training and Coaching: Scholarships enable talented youth soccer players to access quality training and coaching that they might not otherwise be able to afford. This allows them to develop their skills, enhance their understanding of the game, and reach their full potential as players.
Financial Relief: The financial burden associated with participation in organized sports can be a significant barrier for families with limited financial resources. Scholarships alleviate this burden by covering registration fees and equipment costs. By reducing financial barriers, scholarships ensure that young players can participate in soccer programs and compete at higher levels.
Character Development: Participating in soccer can instill important values such as discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Scholarships provide youth from low-income counties with the chance to engage in these character-building experiences. By promoting personal growth, scholarships contribute to the overall development of these individuals, helping them become well-rounded individuals who can positively contribute to their communities.
Equal Opportunities: Soccer scholarships promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all youth, regardless of their socio-economic background. They level the playing field and give talented players from low-income counties an equal chance to pursue their dreams and showcase their abilities, just like their more privileged counterparts. This fosters a sense of fairness and equity in the sports community.
Long-term Impact: Scholarships can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of youth soccer players. By providing opportunities for skill development, academic support, and character building, scholarships increase the chances of these individuals securing athletic and academic scholarships in college. This, in turn, opens doors to higher education and better future prospects.
This year we were able to award scholarships to 5 hardworking youth:
Miguel V from Cen Cal Soccer Alliance
Elsie K from California Odyssey
Brian D from Clovis Crossfire
Keoni G from Albion Central Valley FC
Aileen E from Fresno Heat FC.
I must add that it is never easy to turn down other applicants, as we truly believe all our applicants deserve support and deserve to be able to continue their sport. As the number of applicants grow each year, it motivates us to work harder to fundraise for our community.
In conclusion, scholarships are crucial in providing access to sports, reducing financial barriers, fostering character development, promoting equal opportunities, and generating long-term positive impact. These scholarships empower talented young athletes, enabling them to pursue their soccer dreams, develop essential life skills, and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
We could use all the support we can get to grow our programs. Financial donations, networking opportunities, sharing our message with others, or letting us know about possible grants are all helpful and appreciated.