America SCORES Seattle holds College Kicks event at Seattle University

Seattle Sounders FC's Taylor Graham, center, was onhand at Seattle University to assist in the College Kicks event for America SCORES Seattle. (Staff photo by Heather Christianson)

America SCORES Seattle, a nonprofit after-school soccer and literacy program, successfully gave the SCORES student-athletes a glimpse into college life at their College Kicks event on Wednesday at Seattle University. The afternoon was filled with soccer drills, a campus tour and a Q & A session.

We asked Charley Bruce of America SCORES Seattle to give us a recap of the day's events. "The experience began with the Seattle U. men’s soccer team leading the teams of third, fourth and fifth grade poet-athletes through stations of basic skills drills and a scrimmage," said Bruce. "Next, SCORES teams moved on to a tour of the beautiful campus led by Seattle U. students, along with a SCORES board member, including Sounders FC defenseman Taylor Graham. Following the tour, the poet-athletes met with a panel of Seattle U. students and asked them questions about college life."

Seattle University soccer players talk with America SCORES Seattle student-athletes. (SCORES volunteer photo)

"The Seattle University students were asked questions ranging from “how much homework do you do every night?” to “were you afraid to go to college?” to “how do you pay for college?,” notes Bruce. The America SCORES emphasis on creative style on the field and in academics was reinforced by the visit. "The student panel stressed to the poet-athletes the importance of doing their homework, now and in college because it can lead to scholarships and grants to help pay for school. The Seattle U. students also said that going away to school is a little scary, but in a good way," says Bruce.

“This year’s College Kicks surpassed all of our expectations.  The event provided SCORES’ students a chance for meaningful interaction with Seattle University students, both on the soccer field and in a campus-setting," said Carole Kelley, Executive Director at America SCORES Seattle.  “The purpose of College Kicks is to provide an opportunity that results in our students seeing themselves in the role of a college student – that is to move from thinking of college as a vague concept to something tangible they could actually experience.  With an outstanding contribution from Seattle University students and staff and a great group of volunteers, I believe we made great strides toward achieving our goal. “

America SCORES Seattle student-athletes at the Seattle Univeristy College Kicks event. (Staff photo by Heather Christianson)

About America SCORES Seattle
America SCORES Seattle works with 192 third, fourth and fifth graders in six public elementary schools in Seattle’s Central District, Rainier Beach, and White Center neighborhoods.  SCORES offers a comprehensive after-school program utilizing the whole child approach to youth development to promote teamwork, confidence and personal growth.  For more information visit www.AmericaSCORESSeattle.org, or their blog at AmericaSCORESSeattle.blogspot.com.