Hidden Gems is thrilled to announce our first official partnership and program with America SCORES Chicago. America SCORES is a non-profit that combines soccer and poetry to inspire urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world.
Together, Hidden Gems and America SCORES will create three inaugural Hidden Gems “teams” at schools in Chicago’s Pilsen, Lawndale and Little Village communities. Schools will have teams ranging in age from 3rd-8th grade and will be paired with two Chicago Red Stars players for the duration of the 3-month program, beginning on April 9th. Each pair of Red Stars’ players will hold skills clinics and team building sessions on a bi-weekly basis with their team. They will also join the girls on two off-site activities held in conjunction with Hidden Gems teams from the other designated schools in our America SCORES partnership.
We couldn’t be more grateful to have found an initial partner whose mission and structure so closely aligns with ours. We believe this pilot program facilitates the consistency and quality time that will allow Hidden Gems to achieve our goal of building authentic relationships with our players. We’re looking forward to working with America SCORES to use the power of teamwork and soccer as an equalizer and to increase young girls’ perceptions of their ability to achieve at a high level athletically. Thank you for sharing our vision that every girl in soccer deserves equal access to the world of opportunities available to her.
The initial round of fundraising for Hidden Gems is going directly to coaching salaries of Chicago Red Stars players for their Hidden Gems teams. A donation to Hidden Gems allows us to create more partnerships like these, and therefore, make more impact. Join us!