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News

  • Junior Board Drives the Extra Mile for Bus Campaign

    Throughout the month of May, urban Initiatives’ Junior board conducted a bus Campaign. the goal of the campaign was to raise $15,000 to offset urban Initiatives’ massive costs to transport students to and from practices, games, field trips and other events. Urban Initiatives spends thousands of dollars each year on over 200 bus rides for…

    Junior Board Drives the Extra Mile for Bus Campaign
  • Week 7: Self-Esteem With Jenner

    The Jenner team has always been a fiercely competitive team; with other teams and amongst themselves. Come to a regular practice and you will notice how in every drill they give it 110% The numbers game done at the end of most practices can have a feeling of a Game 7 in the United Center.…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • PA Spotlight: Noah Pickens

    Noah Pickens, a first time Coach Across America coach, has stood out in his role as he has taken a holistic approach to the important work he does. The enthusiasm and thoughtfulness with which Noah approaches each day is truly inspiring and unique, and he does not let a day escape him without first seizing…

  • Walsh Players Enjoy Visit From Chicago Fire Players

    On a chilly November afternoon, 3 of the Chicago Fire’s best players attended the Walsh Elementary team party. This was made possible by Junior Board member and Chicago Fire player Mike Videira. Mike, a regular volunteer at several UI schools for the past few years decided to surprise Walsh players while asking his teammates to…

  • UI Kids From Goethe Team Up With Manchester City FC To Unveil New Soccer Field

    Since the start of the Work to Play Program at Goethe, UI kids have always traveled to different communities across Chicago for Friday Game Days. Along the way they have met other kids their age who love to play soccer and practice healthy eating habits as much as they do. The Goethe team enjoys every…