Category Archive
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…
urban Initiatives is enormously grateful to have partnered with starbucks and hyatt as a part of their Global month of community Service to make a difference in the englewood community and the lives of Urban IniTIAtives participants. We are excited about the possibility of CONtinuinG This partnership to support our beloved schools. urban Initiatives…
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…
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…
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…
The Urban Initiatives team has a habit of snacking pretty heavily throughout the day when they are not at schools or running errands. While it is easy to seek out junk food in times of hunger the team has enjoyed a healthier option. Mike Draper, a friend of Urban Initiatives has been providing the team…
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…
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…
This year’s Work to Play Coaches Training at the Chicago Indoor Sports Center was a huge success! 53 coaches, a mix of On-Site Program Directors and Assistant Coaches from the 22 schools that participate in the Work to Play Program, attended the fast-paced and interactive training on Urban Initiatives’ Work to Play curriculum. Our coaches…
The first week of the 2012-2013 Work to Play Program is officially in the books! 15 year-round schools (Track E) helped Urban Initiatives kick off our 10th year of our health and education soccer programming in the Chicago Public Schools. UI kids from Englewood to Pilsen, from Back of the Yards to Cabrini, all hit…