Benchmark School in Media is partnering with Philadelphia Union to bring SWAG to its students, reports Kyrstle Rich for CBS News Philadelphia.
The SWAG program introduces kids to soccer with the goal of developing future professional soccer players who will hopefully one day play for the Union.
There are currently 2,000 young Philadelphia athletes receiving no-cost soccer coaching and training year-round with professional coaches through SWAG.
More than 95 percent of the SWAG players are of African descent or from immigrant families.
“We can give them high-level coaching and an introduction to soccer with a level of coaching that you don’t see unless you’re in a professional academy,” said Scott Spangler, SWAG co-founder and director of coaching.
“I’m thankful for this. I’m from Africa and most kids from Africa don’t have this chance,” said Dagaga Hirko, a third grader at Benchmark.
“It feels like a dream,” said Benchmark fifth grader Mo Mayah.
The program gives Benchmark students a deeper connection to their time in school and to each other, according to Benchmark head Chris Hancock.
Students participate in two workouts a day, at 7:30 AM and after school.
Find out more about the Philadelphia Union’s SWAG program and the Benchmark school at CBS News Philadelphia.
