We don’t always run programs in the Caribbean, but when we do, they’re super fun. Plus, Caribbean weather, Caribbean cuisine, the beaches… What more can I say? What more do I need to say?!

This was set to be our first program of the new year, and honestly what a way to start 2019. We had something special set up, revisiting an element of our programming that we don’t often get a chance to do running sessions alongside pro ballers.

We last did this in Trinidad with the Can Bou Play Foundation and before that a refugee center in Texas, with Giuseppe Gentile of the San Antonio Scorpions. We were set to run a session with the Atiba Harris Foundation in St. Peter’s.

Now, I had grown up watching Atiba play in the MLS. I admired him for his accomplishments on the field, but I knew that the true greatness of who he was and what he does lay in his work in the community. Specifically, his work in St. Kitts and Nevis was truly inspiring as he always advocated for his home country. Atiba had represented his country throughout an illustrious career in the MLS. He was currently playing in the USL and would not be attending our session since he wasn’t on the island, but he was super excited to work together and eagerly put me in touch with his contact on the ground, Nayoca.

She was a sweetheart and drove me to the supermarket to make sure my fridge was stocked up before giving me a home cooked meal of salmon and pasta. Atiba had set up a session with his foundation at the local field named after him. When we showed up, there was a huge Vinyl with a picture of him and the words “Atiba Harris Sports Complex”. I always knew this guy was an icon, but this community really LOVED him. As they should! He’s an incredible role model.

When I arrived at the field, I was welcomed with a big surprise. I would be running today’s session with two volunteers. Those volunteers were Coach Orlando “Ack” Mitchum and Julani Archibald – an ex-SKN National Team player and their current starting keeper. This was a special surprise for the kids, but also a living testament to the kind of doors soccer could open up for them or for anyone willing to put in the time and effort. Julani had recently signed a new pro contract in Honduras, but was around for a couple more days and graciously offered his knowledge and skills for the session. 

I was super grateful, and humbled by that, knowing how important sport is within a community like this. Coach Orlando started off with some very profound words. Soccer represents a future for a lot of children out there.

We’re not talking professional contracts, fame, and glory… we’re talking about a future, period.

By engaging kids in sport, kids are removed from the streets and less likely to fall into violence and gang life. The older they get, the more necessary this intervention becomes.

“You guys could’ve been anywhere else today, but you chose to be here with us, and we appreciate you for that,” said Coach Orlando.

We ended up running a very lively session for an hour and change. Then, each participant

received a choice of some special gifts from our partners, which included new Nike shorts from Oakwood, camp t-shirts from Challenger, and then some soccer balls.

Truth is, lots of kids from our program had shown up lacking appropriate equipment to participate and play. Some boys were wearing denim shorts out on the field, and I even remember one playing in Jordan Brand sweats that he had cut into a makeshift pair of shorts. Some kids had mismatched socks, while others were forced to play in the unfortunate combo of one cleat and one sneaker. But by the end of our workshop, every child involved left with at least one pair of brand new Nike soccer shorts and either a soccer ball or a camp t-shirt. I’m not going to sit here and act like it was some life-altering experience, but it did mean something. No matter how small a gesture it was.

It was an honor to work alongside some true legends in the game and on the island for our first Around the Worlds program of the year. To partner with Atiba Harris, an athlete I looked up to for so long, is an experience that will not be lost on me for quite some time.

This program also marked a milestone for our organization. Our work has touched 35 countries, which is just the cherry on top of it all.

I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who has helped us get here; your support never goes unnoticed.