Dear Team:
The murder of George Floyd is painful and intolerable. It is an expression of the systemic racism that pervades the United States.
Street Soccer USA was founded on the notion that we all must do our part to fight for a more just society where racism and its effects no longer oppress and disadvantage anyone.
We recognize that police violence is an injustice acutely affecting black America and that everyone must be part of the solution. We support the protesters, the organizers, and the activists who are holding America accountable to the ideals expressed in our constitution
Our communities more often than not have to survive in a societal system that has stacked the deck against them because of the color of their skin. We at Street Soccer USA have dedicated our life’s work to changing that reality through the unlikely means of soccer. Through soccer, even during the most painful of times, we bring a joyful message of hope and solidarity.
Thanks to all the Street Soccer USA staff, donors, partners, and participants who help nurture the safe and healthy development of our participants.
In the coming days and weeks ahead, we need to prepare for the anxieties and stresses that staff, participants, and their families may be feeling, the symptoms they may be exhibiting, and the questions they may ask or need to ask.
We’ll start this week with a follow up coaches’ workshop on the subject of addressing these anxieties, stresses, and questions. We will continue host other implicit bias training for all staff, workshops and facilitated discussions led by both internal staff and external partners.
Effective immediately we will be increasing and enhancing our off the field activities which focus on civic engagement and social justice.
We continue to be inspired by everyone’s dedication and leadership and we will count on it, trust in it, and support it, today, tomorrow, and the next day, like any other.
With love and respect for all of you,
Play for More,
Lawrence Cann, President
Rob Cann, Managing Director
Tiffany Fraser, Chief of Staff
and Street Soccer USA Program Directors, Managers