In the vibrant neighborhoods of the San Francisco Bay Area, a revolutionary program is turning young dreams into powerful narratives. America Scores Bay Area isn’t just another after-school program – it’s a radical reimagining of youth empowerment where soccer cleats and poetry slams collide.

More Than Just a Game

Imagine a space where 9-year-olds aren’t just learning soccer skills, but crafting poems that challenge societal norms and express their deepest emotions. Founded in 2001, this program has grown from just five schools to nearly 150 across the Bay Area, serving close to 5,000 students – and get this, it’s 100% free for families.

Poetry as Protest

Take Crissler Tomas, a young poet-athlete who recently brought a packed audience to their feet with her powerful poem “A Beautiful Game”. At a Bay Area Host Committee event during All-Star week, she stood tall, proving that young voices can command respect in spaces traditionally dominated by tech CEOs and professional athletes.

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

The program’s magic lies in its unique approach: weekly poetry workshops where students write about meaningful topics, followed by soccer practice. It’s not just about physical skills or writing prowess – it’s about building confidence, creating pathways, and giving kids a platform to dream beyond their current circumstances.

As Colin Schmidt, the executive director, passionately states, these programs provide “meaning and joy day after day” – creating spaces of high-fives, skill-building, and unapologetic self-expression.

In a world that often tries to silence youth, America Scores Bay Area is amplifying their voices, one poem and soccer goal at a time.