Chester-Upland Youth Soccer annual Spring Play Day 2019

On Saturday, April 27, Delaware County community members volunteered at the Chester-Upland Youth Soccer annual Spring Play Day. Nearly 100 students who benefit from the free, after-school “Soccer for Success” program competed in friendly matches while being cheered on by their family members and other fans. Supportive coaches and referees included Strath Haven middle-schoolers Daphne Much and Harry Midgette as well as enthusiastic students from Swarthmore College and Widener University.

Thanks to its supporters, CUYS was able to provide soccer training, nutrition education and mentorship for over 550 elementary and middle school students at ten sites in the underserved Chester-Upland community for 90 minutes at least three days a week during the program’s fall and spring seasons. Recognizing that the hours immediately after school are the most dangerous period for juveniles to both commit and be victims of crime, the organization hopes to grow its reach for the 2020 season and beyond.

CUYS is supported by backing from the US Soccer Foundation, the Foundation for Delaware County, a variety of other foundations and area businesses and many generous individuals including Wallingford resident Daphne Much, who selected CUYS as the recipient of her Bat Mitzvah philanthropy. Daphne helps out at Soccer for Success whenever she doesn’t have her own soccer practice and games to attend. Remembering the joy of seeing a little boy score a goal and run to his parents to celebrate just like she used to, Daphne said, ”Kids need to get their energy out and escape any negative things in their environment. Soccer brightens their mood and removes them from hard things that are happening in their lives. It makes me happy to see them enjoying sports the way that I enjoy sports.”

To get involved, contact Executive Director Brendan Grady at 408-497-2465 or bgrady@chesteruplandyouthsoccer.org.