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Lets make an impact
Many families in our community grapple with economic hardships like poverty, food insecurity, and housing instability where youth often experience higher levels of stress and have access to fewer resources, including access to youth sports. Participation in youth sports creates healthy habits that promotes their physical, social, and mental well- being. And the lessons from participating in team sports go far beyond childhood. Young people who learn discipline, perseverance, and leadership on the field carry those qualities into their education, careers, and relationships. They understand the value of showing up, giving their best, and lifting others along the way.
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That’s why our mission goes beyond the goal line. We invest in more than just sports—we invest in lives. Here's how!
School- Based Clubs
As the school year kicks off, so does something extraordinary in Cherokee County: youth are lacing up their cleats and joining school-based soccer clubs. For many of these students, joining a sports team wouldn’t be possible without this program. Transportation challenges, financial strain, and limited access too often keep young people on the sidelines. CYF removes these barriers, giving opportunities where they’re needed most for budding athletes. Research consistently shows that the influence of a caring adult outside the home can be life changing. Sports coaches often serve as mentors and trusted adults, combining consistency and guidance with the discipline and teamwork that sports naturally provide. Many athletes carry their coach’s lessons for life—returning later as mentors, leaders, and role models themselves. By investing in kids through encouragement, structure, and belief, coaches help shape stronger individuals and, in turn, stronger communities. Team sports naturally encourage kids to move—running, jumping, stretching, and playing with purpose. This regular activity builds strong hearts, flexible muscles, and healthy bones. For many children, playing with friends makes exercise fun instead of a chore, creating habits that protect their health well into adulthood. Physical activity also helps reduce stress and anxiety, while the encouragement of teammates builds self-esteem. Youth who feel valued on a team often carry that confidence into schoolwork, friendships, and family life. When we give youth opportunities to participate in team sports, we’re not just keeping them active—we’re helping them flourish. Every practice, every game, and every high-five is an investment in stronger bodies, healthier minds, and brighter futures. Lastly, the Strive for 23 Soccer Club for middle and high schoolers motivates students to attend class and stay on track to earn the 23 credits required for graduation to participate in the soccer club. Many are first-generation in their families to graduate from high school and attend college. Research has shown that student-athletes often earn higher grades, are more likely to attend college, and develop leadership skills valued in the workplace. No cost after- school clubs make it possible for 400 youth to gain technical skills, confidence, and the many other benefits imparted by youth sports! Below is a list of participating schools. Carmel Elementary Clark Creek Elementary Hasty Elementary Holly Springs Elementary Liberty Elementary Oak Grove Elementary RM Moore Elementary Teasley Middle Cherokee High Lyndon Academy
Investments in Equipment and Facilities-
CYF invests in equipment and facilities that make soccer more accessible and inclusive for every family. Schools may not have adequate soccer balls, goals, or even fields for play. We provide equipment needed to facilitate the soccer clubs. One school reports they even take students onto the field and use goals to demonstrate math standards like angles and force of motion. Getting kids on the field during instruction gives real application and experience while they are learning and having fun! We vigilantly seek partnerships that allow CYF to make these investments and otherwise expand facilities to include every community and population in the county. Examples of these investments include soccer goals at RM Moore Elementary School, 370 soccer balls donated for school- based soccer clubs, installation of mini pitch at Harman Park in the Sunnyside community, field enhancements at Hasty Elementary School, and the provision of individual player equipment like shin guards and cleats.
Cherokee Collective family support
Soccer provides CYF with the opportunity to give direct support to the school, the players, and their families. More than half the partnering schools are Title I, serving communities where families often grapple with financial hardship. CYF staff meet regularly with school liaisons to listen to individual child and family needs. We facilitate and support a monthly gathering of approximately 100 members of service providers, churches, schools, civic leaders, and concerned community members. These meetings serve as a vital platform for collaboration, allowing us to collectively lift up individual and broader community needs. By convening the Cherokee Collective, CYF significantly multiplies our capacity to support our neighbors in need. We believe in the power of community. That’s why our mission goes beyond the goal line. We invest in more than just sports—we invest in lives.
Financial Reports
Our programs are made possible by donations from the community and charitable grants. We have never been disappointed! We are deeply grateful to those who support youth through gifts of time and resources. It is our pleasure to share the impact these gifts have made in our Impact Report.
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2024 Impact Report (click here)