HELM and YALLA Partner For Refugee Youth Soccer Clinic
Millions of youth soccer players have cheered for Landon Donovan on the field – as a LA Galaxy Star or representing the US National Team. However, very few players have had the opportunity to train with him, especially disadvantaged youth players. HELM Soccer Camp, founded by Donovan and fellow pro athletes has partnered with YALLA San Diego to give youth soccer players that chance.
Founded by Landon Donovan, Stuart Holden and Brian Ching, HELM‘s (Humility, Education, Leadership, Motivation) mission is to enhance the lives of America’s youth by maximizing their soccer potential and giving back to local and national charities.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with children and using soccer as a platform to help them learn and develop,” said Landon Donovan.
“I didn’t have a soccer role model growing up and I want to be able to provide that for these children. This is an easy, effective way to touch many lives and hopefully make a meaningful impact in the world.”
HELM has partnered with YALLA and will be conducting a soccer camp for refugee youth in San Diego on August 27th.
YALLA, is the only college preparatory program in California that uses soccer to motivate refugee and immigrant youth to rebuild their lives in San Diego. Based in El Cajon, California, YALLA’s vision is to become a college hub in San Diego’s East County through technology based academic programs. YALLA’s academic programs improve English proficiency, close educational gaps, and provide necessary resources to pursue a higher education.
“Soccer is the hook. College is the Goal!” -YALLA’s Motto
By educating players both on and off the field, YALLA improves reading and math skills in order to prepare refugee and immigrant students for high school, college and beyond. YALLA employs a whole-person approach to player development, focusing on self-reliance though skill, responsibility, and accountability. YALLA develops not only confident and creative players but dedicated scholar-athletes.
The college bound program has also produced amazing outcomes with 21 out of 22 seniors accepted to 4-year schools and has secured over $19,000 in scholarships per student.
YALLA is exceptionally excited to partner with HELM to gain more exposure for their programs and secure financial support in order to reach more students.
HELM Coaches
Landon Donovan: The all-time leader in goals and assists for the US Men’s National Team as well as the all-time leader in goals and assists in Major League Soccer. He participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and played in 3 World Cups. He is a 6-time MLS Cup Champion and considered the best soccer player America has ever produced.
Stuart Holden: USA International and most recently a member of Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League. He was a member of the 2010 USA World Cup team in South Africa and has represented his country 25 times scoring 3 goals. MLS All-Star and Best XI in 2009, Holden was named team MVP at Bolton in 2010.
Brian Ching: Played professional soccer for thirteen years, twelve of which were in Major League Soccer. He also represented the U.S. National team for eight years. He is the current Managing Director of the Houston Dash.
Giving Back Nationally
Part of HELM’s mission has always been to give back to local communities. During a recent camp in Austin, TX over $5,000 was raised for SoccerAssist.org and the Austin Aztex Foundation.
“It helps our footprint in every city that we head to because it’s not all about going in there and running a soccer camp, it’s about engaging in local communities,” said Holden.
It is very unique for Donovan, the greatest American soccer player ever, to give back on this level; sharing his knowledge and experience with children, learning their names and interacting on a personal level.
Photo Credit: Jeff Heger Photography
