Category Archive

Urban Initiatives

  • Week 5: Respect With Howe

    Week 5’s Work to Play lesson is a time to highlight Respect. Work to Play students juggle a lot of different responsibilities during the soccer season. Being a member of the team means doing a fantastic job in and outside of the classroom. As a result of this, the student athletes on the Work to…

  • UI Kid Spotlight: Samya from Sherman

    As Week 3 of the Urban Initiatives spring season just finished, it is absolutely fitting and necessary to highlight 2nd grade Sherman soccer player Samya Ray. Who is Samya Ray, you might ask, and why is she so special? Well, Week 3 of the Urban Initiatives soccer season is the Responsibility and Commitment Week, and…

  • UI Kids Cheer On College Soccer Players At Chicago Cup

    On Sunday, April 21st Northwestern hosted Loyola, DePaul and UIC for the annual and always thrilling Chicago Cup. The college coaches invited the Urban Initiatives soccer teams from Jenner, Gunsaulus, Greene and Tarkington to not just watch the exciting matches but to partake in a pre-game World Cup Walk and halftime soccer skills drills with…

  • The Adair Group Helps UI Shine

    Urban Initiatives is excited that The Adair Group chose us as one of their T-Shirt Causes! They donated 5 dozen t-shirts for the Work to Play Cup on Saturday, June 8th. Check out their website, www.theadairgroup.com, and see all the awesome products they have. Keep them in mind for all your affordable and reliable t-shirt…

  • UI Volunteers Catie and Ashley

    Ever wonder what it’s like to volunteer with Urban Initiatives? Well, UI Junior Board members and volunteers Catie and Ashley share their experience with you during their time with the Jahn team. Catie and Ashley joined the UI and Jahn team this past Fall and continue to attend practices as regularly as the Jahn players…

  • Mentor Coach Stars Visit Chicago Bulls All Stars

    Urban Initiatives Mentor Coaches Xzavier, N’Dia, Shamar, Travis, Joel and Chevaughn all experienced their first Bulls game at the United Center this season. These Mentor Coaches were chosen because of their commitment to the Work to Play teams at their school as they focused on their studies. Read below about the great time each Mentor…

  • PA Spotlight: Becca Martinson

    Since the beginning of her term with Urban Initiatives as a coach with Coach Across America, Becca Martinson has completely dedicated her time, energy and talents to help combat the alarming levels of obesity in Chicago’s children. She has been especially effective at Nobel Elementary School where she not only coaches but also partners with…

  • PA Spotlight: Brendan McAlpine

    A truly effective coaches’ advice is so effortless and genuine that even when they are meticulously perfecting your soccer techniques or working out a conflict you are having with a friend you don’t realize that they are coaching you. Coach Brendan McAlpine carries around a full toolbox of coaching tips that he flawlessly utilizes on…