News

  • Embrace Chicago Cup

    Urban Initiatives in partnership with the Garfield Park Conservatory and the Chicago Park District hosted the inaugural Embrace Chicago Cup on Saturday, April 9th. Six Urban Initiatives partner schools from four Chicago communities gathered for a day of exploration at the Garfield Park Conservatory, soccer games, and lunch at the park district. The Embrace Chicago…

    Embrace Chicago Cup
  • A Night Out with Urban Initiatives

    On Thursday April 14, Urban Initiatives hosted its first ever “Night Out” at Sidetrack. The event brought together members of the LGBT community and served as a way to introduce Urban Initiatives’ sports-based youth development programs to the LGBT sports leagues and the larger LGBT community. Host Committee member Leslie Henry kicked off the night…

    A Night Out with Urban Initiatives
  • Windy City Times Recaps UI’s Night Out

    Windy City Times reporter Liz Baudler recaps UI’s Night Out hosted at Sidetrack. Read more here: http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Urban-Initiatives-holds-fundraiser-at-Sidetrack-/54985.html

  • Allstate Brought Out the Good for Over 80 Team Captains

    The rain and snow surely did not stop Team Captains from enjoying an engaging day at the Allstate Headquarters in Northbrook this past Friday. Fifth thru eighth graders from all around the city woke up early, embraced the unexpected weather, and brought their energy for a day full of interactive activities.  The fourth Take the…

    Allstate Brought Out the Good for Over 80 Team Captains
  • JB Bus Campaign Kickoff at Lagunitas

    On Monday, April 11, the Junior Board kicked off their annual fundraiser, the Bus Campaign, at THE TapRoom at Lagunitas. The Bus Campaign is when the Junior Board is split into teams of 2 or 3 and assigned to a specific school. Junior Board members then ask their friends, families, and co-workers for donations to…

    JB Bus Campaign Kickoff at Lagunitas
  • Nixon visits the Chicago Fire

    This field trip truly showcased the consistent dedication present amongst players on the Urban Initiatives’ team at Nixon Elementary. This special group of 3rd graders game to the school on a cold and snowy Saturday afternoon to attend the Chicago Fire soccer game at Toyota Park. Despite the uncovered seating, there were no complaints from…

    Nixon visits the Chicago Fire
  • UI’s Fam Appreciation Night

    There is a quickly growing group of powerful and passionate adults in Chicago that are getting behind a movement and mission serving a matter near and dear to their hearts – their kids! Urban Initiatives had the great privilege of celebrating this group, the amazing and committed Urban Initiatives parents, last Thursday evening in our…

    UI’s Fam Appreciation Night
  • Meet Coach Michelle!

    Coach Michelle Ramos dedicates her career to enhancing the sports experience for the youth she serves at Palmer, Lloyd and Barry Elementary Schools. Last year, Michelle started working at Palmer as a part-time Coach Across America and has since taken on a regular position facilitating recess during the school day and soccer-based youth development programming…

    Meet Coach Michelle!
  • UI’s Newest Work to Play Schools

    Urban Initiatives is happy to share with you an update from our three newest Work to Play Schools! Mahalia Jackson Elementary: Jackson is the Work to Play Team and Urban Initiatives’  41st partner school. In the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, the Jackson WTP team is excited to join the UI soccer family. Jackson participants, like Tayshaun and Marqise have already started…

    UI’s Newest Work to Play Schools