South Bronx United (SBU) is a nonprofit youth development organization with a mission of using soccer as a tool for social change. More than 1,400 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.

Founded in 2009 to address a lack in youth athletic programs in the South Bronx, the organization's programs have grown to combine soccer with academic enrichment, college prep, mentoring, leadership development, health and wellness programs, immigration legal services, and other family and youth supports. The SBU Academy has a 100% high school graduation rate and 94% college matriculation rate. College-readiness rates of graduates are three-times the rate of their peers.  

Last year was a milestone year for South Bronx United. The highlight was the opening of the SBU Clubhouse! For the first time, we truly have a home, a crucial safe space for youth during out-of-school time. With a mini soccer field and a classroom, the Clubhouse has given youth participants somewhere to play pickup soccer, get academic support, socialize with friends, meet with mentors, join game-watch parties, and much more. In the Clubhouse, more families can also now introduce their children to soccer.

In 2023, SBU plans to expand its reach in the community by increasing girls' recruitment across all programs, growing its GYL College Access Program, and implementing a brand new workforce development program for our youth and alumni. 

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