Portland

Inspired by community volunteers and interested staff, Outside In, a social service provider that has been in the area for more than four decades, organized a Street Soccer program in 2009. Street Soccer began as an avenue for homeless youth to engage in a sports-based and relationship based program.  Each player receives individual case management and develops action plans in order to accomplish their goals relating to employment, education, and housing. Outside In’s Street Soccer team, the Portland Torrents, participate in 2 practices per week and is coached by case management staff, Erin Swenson and David Hanna.

Outside In is a non-profit dedicated to providing services to low-income adults and homeless youth.  Since 1968,  Outside In’s mission has been to help homeless youth and other low-income and marginalized people move toward improved health and self-sufficiency.   
Results

The Portland Torrents participated in their first SSUSA Cup in Washington D.C this summer. The team placed 17 out of 23 teams and won the S4SC Cup. The Portland Torrent’s sole female player was invited to play on the Women’s National Team in Brazil in the Homeless World Cup in September 2010 and Coach Erin Swenson was invited to be the coach of the Women’s National Team.