A Few Things We are Thankful For in November
Jim was browsing through Facebook and got a notification for a 2009 memory: a short message inviting people to an indoor soccer game at Towey Playground on Berks and Howard. This was the initiation of what many have come to know as the Kensington Soccer Club. As we reflected on our beginnings 13 years ago, Jim realized people only know part of the story. It inspired him to write more about our founding - which you can see in “Our Story”.
We also got a chance to see how our work fits within the bigger picture at a Sports Based Youth Development workshop hosted by Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative. While meeting with some of our earliest supporters, our staff felt a resurgence of appreciation for those who supported us from our early beginnings as a small community group to the organization we are today. As organization leaders reflected on the foundation for success that their coaches built for them it reflected the long-lasting impact of quality mentoring. While standing among our peers, Mayor Kenney reinforced that our work isn’t only fun but is a much-needed intervention in our efforts to quell gun violence.
Gun violence affects us locally and nationally. Incidents of shootings at gas stations have increased in Philly as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer. In our community, a shooting spree at the intersection of Kensington and Allegheny avenues reignited concern over the public health crises we face — especially as it plagued our youth. We are equally as concerned about gender-based violence as we collectively mourn the victims of the shooting at Club Q. As this hate crime occurred during Transgender Awareness Week, we are reminded of the importance of our mission to provide inclusive and affordable soccer for all. We continue to dedicate ourselves to creating non-violent, inclusive athletic and leadership spaces for all races and genders.
This month, we had opportunities to focus on how far we have come as an organization - from the programs we offer and the recognition we receive, to the growing number of people who make our world go around. In our November newsletter, we acknowledge some of the achievements that marked a turning point in our journey. We share this because it is due to your generous and unwavering support that we can celebrate.
This Giving Tuesday we started a new fundraiser inviting monthly donations. Our programs rely on consistent support from people like you. Monthly donations enable us to continue our incredible work, and expand our programming to be offered year-round. You can make your daily pledge by visiting our “Donate” page or following this link to Facebook. As we celebrate over a decade of providing affordable and accessible soccer for all, we invite you to help us keep the ball rolling.
Follow the journey by following us on social media and signing up for our newsletter.