Hi Friends,

As many of you know, I work for South Bronx United, a youth development organisation that uses football/soccer as a vehicle for social change. We work with youth from immigrant families and serve a community with the highest poverty rate in the USA.

For the past 11 years, SBU has used football as the catalyst for academic engagement. Not only do we provide after school, educational programming but we also offer immigration and social services to our community. Compared to the 51% high school graduation rate in the region, I am proud to report that 100% of students involved in SBU have graduated high school.

In light of COVID-19 and the reality that the South Bronx has the highest fatality and hospitalisation rate in a city that is arguably the epicentre of the pandemic, the need for our program has never been greater. Although football has been canceled indefinitely, we have continued to offer programming virtually. SBU students are attending tutoring, trainings and immigration services over Zoom.

As part of our #PowerOf11 campaign, we are asking anyone who is able to donate $11/ £11 before June 11th in support of SBU’s mission. Of course, if you have the means to donate more that would be hugely appreciated but not expected of anyone during this challenging time for all.

I welcome you to watch our kickoff video which highlights how SBU is supporting our community during these uncertain times. Additionally, I encourage you to follow South Bronx United on social media as we share powerful stories from our students for the first 11 days of June. Thank you very much. #WeAreSBU