Our Programs

 

The SBU Academy

The SBU Academy provides a pathway from middle school to high school to college to careers for South Bronx and primarily immigration and first-generation youth. The program combines competitive travel soccer with academic enrichment, tutoring, college prep, mentoring, leadership development, immigration legal services, and other youth and family supports services. Youth attend a 5-week Summer Soccer Scholars program or gain access to internships. Since 2012, 100% of SBU Academy seniors have graduated high school and 94% have matriculated in college. The program serves up to 190 youth participants.

Global Youth League

The Global Youth League (GYL) offers approximately 150 high school girls and boys the opportunity to compete in a Saturday soccer league, along with access to immigration screenings, and social work supports. Interested participants can attend weekly college access sessions. The GYL is open to all teens from the Bronx and northern Manhattan and particularly focuses on supporting immigrant youth and unaccompanied minors. In addition to individual participants, the GYL also welcomes several high schools and community based organizations as program partners.

Recreational Soccer Program

The Recreational Soccer Program is open to all children regardless of experience to participate in Fall, Spring and Summer seasons. Participants, aged 4-15, attend Saturday sessions and games at Macombs Dam Park, Mullaly Park, or Patterson Park. Weekly after-school sessions are also offered. Special events include the Annual Health and Wellness Day Fair and the Annual Literacy Day (up to 2,000 free books, soccer book circles, and author visits). Up to 700 children participate in the Recreational Soccer Program each season.

 

SBU Community Schools

SBU partners with several South Bronx elementary and middle schools to deliver after-school soccer programming, with an additional component such as health and nutrition education or girls’ leadership development. Programs are held once or twice per week.

Girls Soccer Leadership

Launched in Fall 2024, the SBU Girls Soccer Leadership Program provides middle school girls the chance to compete in a 3v3 league while learning the game and building leadership skills through a curriculum adapted from the Women’s Sports Foundation, Gotham FC’s Keep Her in the Game Initiative, and Fundacio Barca SportNet. This program partners with local middle schools and is funded by the FC Barcelona Foundation.

The SBU Pre-Academy

Through the SBU Pre-Academy, boys and girls in grades 3-5 can compete on travel soccer teams, including twice weekly training sessions, weekend games, and educational workshops for families. Program youth are encouraged to transition into the SBU Academy beginning in 6th grade.

 

Workforce Development Program

The Workforce Development Program is a free 6-month career readiness program for participants ages 16-24 to succeed in entering the workforce. Participants are employed part-time working either at the Clubhouse Cafe or as coaching staff, 5-15 hours per week. Throughout the program, participants develop career readiness skills and gain employment tools through the bi-weekly career readiness training workshops. 

College Success

Program support for SBU Academy student-athletes does not end at high school graduation. SBU staff continue to support program alumni towards college and career success through counseling and advocacy, College Success and Career Mentorship programs, career networking events, career prep workshops, and alumni soccer teams.

Clubhouse Programs, Classes, and Leagues

Youth and families can register for Indoor Soccer Sessions and Indoor Soccer Clinics at the SBU Clubhouse on Saturdays and Sundays. These are individual fee-based sessions for children as young as age 2 and up to age 15. (Click for Indoor Sessions info or 3v3 Leagues.) The space also hosts birthday parties and space rentals. (Click for parties and space rentals.) It is also occasionally available to youth for Open Play.

 
 

Summer Soccer Camp

South Bronx United offers a six-week, half-day summer soccer camp for children entering grades 1 through 6. Participants have the opportunity to learn soccer and play in a fun, developmental environment. The camp is open to young players of all experience levels. (Note: This camp is separate from the Summer Soccer Scholars program for SBU Academy youth.)

Immigration Legal Services

SBU is recognized by the Office of Legal Access Programs at the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide immigration legal services with an accredited representative. Immigration relief eligibility screenings are available to youth and family members who participate in SBU programs only. SBU staff manages approximately 40 cases per year. In addition to assisting with DACA applications, citizenship, and certain visa requests, SBU has helped 31 previously undocumented young people receive their legal permanent residency, also known as Green Cards. Workshops, Clinics, and Forums are open to all members of the broader community.

The Clubhouse Café

South Bronx United operates the Clubhouse Café, a social-enterprise coffee shop staff be Café Fellows and graduates of the SBU Workforce Development Program. The coffee shop is open daily to the public at 812 River Ave. Stop by or visit the website and social media to learn more.