Southern California Non-Profit Making A Difference Through Sports
Established in 2002, Inter Tribal Sports (ITS) offers tribal youth structured athletic programs, like soccer, while providing necessary resources and developing a strong foundation in culture, leadership and wellness.
ITS features year-round sports and enrichment programs designed specifically for Southern California Native American communities.
“Inter Tribal Sports is the bridge to a brighter future for our youth,” said Emily Garcia, Program Manager for InterTribal Sports. “ITS focuses on the players as a whole.”
ITS furnishes youth and communities with occasions to build self esteem, respect, acceptance, and sportsmanship through fun and positive activities, while developing athletic skill and forming friendships, guided by appropriate role models in a sound, structured program that is non-profit, volunteer-oriented, and open to all tribal youth.
SoccerToday spoke with Garcia to learn more about InterTribal Sports:
Andrea Garcia: Why do you do what you do? What inspires you?
Emily Garcia: What inspires me personally, are my many nieces and nephews, and all the native youth I have worked with over the years.
When I see them out on the field on game days, I see thier motivation, enjoyment and growth. It is an honor and a blessing to create a positive experience and opportunity not only for them, but their family members as well. Our players’ families and communities are of extreme importance to us as well.
The youth are our future leaders and we must create as many positive opportunities for them as possible.
Andrea Garcia: Did you play soccer growing up?
Emily Garcia: When I was young, my family did not have much income, so I could not participate in city leagues. I loved to play recreationally in my neighborhood though. If there was a ball around with enough poeple, then a soccer game would start.
Andrea Garcia: When did you become in involved in soccer? Why?
Emily Garcia: I became more involved with soccer my daughter, Myra played on a local team. I wanted to give her that opportunity. I also became involved as an adult, playing on a coed team in Santee, CA. It is a great way to build your character and get a great workout.
Andrea Garcia: What is the biggest problem with youth development in the USA?
Emily Garcia: One of the biggest problems with youth development is the youth residing in pockets of the country – such as the Indian Reservations throughout the USA – these youth players go nearly unnoticed.
The tribal communities we serve often lack access to fun, engaging, culturally sensitive youth resources. Many of the tribal communities are located in remote areas that do not offer structured year round sports for youth. Without extracurricular activities and the ability to participate in structured play time, this sometimes leads children down a less positive path.
Because of the absence of fun, structured physical activity — some of our youth fall prey to drugs, alcohol, depression and obesity.
ITS has been fortunate to work with 20 reservations throughout San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and be a part of these amazing childrens’ journeys.
Andrea Garcia: How are you able to offer soccer and other sports at no cost?
Emily Garcia: As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) program, sustainability comes from the support of our grant-funding sources, tribal sponsors and volunteer coaches. Supporting grant-funding sources include the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Nike N7, Soboba Foundation, San Manuel Foundation, Barona Band of Mission Indians, Sycuan, Pechanga and Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association.
ITS is able to offer year round structured athletics, including uniforms, league scheduling, coaches and players clinics, game officials and culturally specific nutrition education and one of a kind leadership opportunities such as a game day with collegiate and pro athletes, to nearly 1,700 tribal youth.
Andrea Garcia: Who are the coaches for the soccer teams?
Emily Garcia: They are community volunteers from many different tribes in San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino county, that donate their time for the good of the kids. This past year we had 22 soccer coaches.
Andrea Garcia: What has been your greatest challenge?
Emily Garcia: When I think of challenges, I think of opportunities. Opportunity will always bring growth. With that said, I believe the greatest opportunity is creating positive experiences for our youth, to give them confidence, regardless of their situation.
Southern California Native American youth can apply for the upcoming soccer season now.
ITS Fall Soccer Season Info
Registration Deadline: 8/12/2016
Coaches & Players Camp: 9/10/2016
Opening Day: 10/01/16
Championships: 11/05/16
Any interested Native American youth can register by contacting ITS at (951) 719-3444 or egarcia@intertribalsports.org.
