South Bronx United (SBU) is a nonprofit youth development organization with a mission of using soccer as a tool for social change. More than 1,300 young people, beginning at age four and all the way through college, will have participated in programs this year on the soccer field, in the classroom, and in the community.

I joined SBU in the spring of 2010 at age 14. I had recently moved from Italy and was struggling to adjust to my new environment, especially in the classroom due to language and cultural barriers. SBU immediately offered me a safe space to not just play soccer but also to improve in the classroom with its after-school program. SBU made the transition much easier than I could have hoped. SBU has had a major impact on my life. Due to the tireless work of its staff, I was able to attend and play college soccer on a scholarship. They constantly checked up on me in college to make sure I was succeeding in the classroom and on the field. Furthermore, they helped me go from an undocumented teenager to a U.S. citizen, ready to contribute to the civil and political life of this nation. I am grateful to now call myself a staff member at SBU. I want to help other youth in the community receive the same help I did when I joined.

This cause is very dear to me, and I appreciate support in all amounts! Together we can make a difference!