SOUTH BRONX UNITED
Building Leaders and Scholars Through Soccer
South Bronx United provides academic support, college prep, mentoring, workforce development, immigration legal services, and more, while using soccer as a vehicle for social change.
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Our Impact
1,700
Youth Reached Annually100%
High School Graduation Rate94%
College Matriculation Rate88
Bachelor's Degrees (SBU Academy Grads)
"SBU taught me the value of hard work... I want to be able to look back on my life and be like, I did the most with what was given to me. I did focus a lot of my life on school, a lot of my life on this outcome, which was getting into school; and because of that, when I come back, I’ll be able to help my family on a different level." Franco Sorza, SBU Academy Class of 2022
“When I first got to SBU, I saw all these kids, and they all had one specific goal in their mind and it was to make it somewhere in life—even if it wasn’t in soccer, but you know, just to become something and become someone important. So, you know, making all these friendships, not just with my teammates but with staff—they’ve taught me, ‘you’re going to be someone, you’re going to do something, because you’re here.’ So, just being here, and the commitment I have to the program is like—everyone is telling me, ‘we’re here, we’re going to support you.’ Everyone here is so nice, and they want me to get somewhere. That opportunity that SBU is giving me—becoming someone and something in this world—is the biggest opportunity." Alanny Gonzalez, SBU Academy GU16, #PowerOf11 2022
"I am the first in my family to graduate high school and go to college. I work as hard as those around me always have. I will not give up because that’s not what I was taught to do. Every morning, I wake up with a new goal and make an effort to be the best person I can be. I learned a long time ago that everything worthwhile does not come easy and that all of our sacrifices lead to great results." Maria Martinez, SBU Academy Class of 2020, SUNY Oswego Class of 2024
“As for myself, my sacrifices helped me too…I wouldn’t be the person I am today—someone who can put others before herself, and someone who can successfully take on responsibilities and obligations when needed. Ultimately, those difficult moments, those hard months made me a better, stronger, and more understanding person who can get herself through demanding situations and get others through, as well." Jennifer Oliveros, SBU Academy Class of 2021, NYU Class of 2025
"I was about 3 years old when my parents left me with my uncle so they could go to America and start a better life for our family. It wasn’t until four years later that my dad returned back to Niamey, the city I was from, to come pick me up and bring me to my new home. Right away, I realized how different my life would become. But one thing that never changed was my passion for football. And that led me to South Bronx United where I not only became a better player, but a better, more in tune, and more confident version of myself. Trust me, no teenage athlete wants to spend hours in tutoring, being held accountable for every single report card, or every test grade, but it made me who I am today." Nourou Gaiya, SBU Academy Class of 2016, City College of New York Class of 2020
"In 2019, I was fortunate enough to attend Festival 19 in Lyon, France. The festival brought together young athletes like myself from all over the world. Over 300 of us came together to push the agenda on gender equality and women empowerment. Here, I was able to gain the perspective of other athletes who had been victims of gender inequality, how they had faced harsh circumstances, and how they were able to triumph and overcome their experiences to where they are now advocates for promoting gender equality. Hearing others’ perspectives when it came to the inequalities they had faced, opened my eyes, and I left with a deep admiration for their strength and tenacity. When I arrived back in New York, I helped organize Football for Equality, SBU's series of events that promoted gender equity and equality for those at the first level of the playing field." Ana Mejia, SBU Academy Class of 2021
"I started my SBU career almost 10 years ago. A group of friends of mine recommended I tryout for South Bronx United and little did I know it would be the start of an incredible journey. My teammates, coaches, tutors, and counselors have played an important role in who I am today. One of my earliest memories at SBU was being stranded after a game during a snowstorm. We huddled up together and waited to be picked up. It was freezing that day but the bond we shared together we have never forgotten.... 10 years later, I was on stage in Berlin, Germany accepting the Laureus Award in front of my soccer idols.” Mohamed Konate, SBU Academy Class of 2020, SUNY New Paltz Class of 2024
