"We were trying to navigate a pay-to-play system that had basically outpriced our community," said LaShon Wooldridge, the team manager and single mother of its goalkeeper. Their struggle illustrated how socioeconomic barriers can limit access to sports for underserved communities.
"It definitely gave me confidence," said Ameerah Kolleff, 17, an honor student who also plays soccer at the academically challenging Girls Academic Leadership Academy. "It showed me that if we fight hard enough, we can get what we want." This highlights how sports can build self-esteem in young women.
"I think it started my journey and gave me the idea that I want to continue in soccer in college," said Sidney Wooldridge, highlighting the long-term impact of youth sports in shaping academic and career aspirations among young girls.
Collection
[
|
...
]