STEP will utilize the social and environmental allure (magnetism) of soccer in the community to attract children into the program and positively impact the academic levels of those participants. Soccer is the sport of choice in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park. Through many years of local involvement and experience working with the youth of EPA and EMP, the directors of STEP are well positioned in the community to channel that cultural passion and create a synergistic alignment with an academic tutoring program. The ultimate goal of STEP is to provide a strong academic background for children to carry into middle and high school and not only a quality soccer program but also a sense of community through the sport. The idea is that both of these factors will help encourage the children to seek further academic development beyond high school and into college. Since 1991 the directors of STEP have been coaching youth soccer in the Peninsula. Our aim has consistently been to provide top level professional coaching, balanced adult role models and a supportive learning environment for youth soccer players, both boys and girls of all ages and levels. During this time, we have accepted many children into our program from EPA, EMP and other communities throughout the Peninsula by providing scholarships, pro-bono coaching and most importantly, creating lasting friendships with many who now have families of their own and are residents of the surrounding community. Through STEP we are seeking to combine our experience in the soccer community with a scholastic program that will positively impact the future of the children in EPA and EMP.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

The STEP program objective is to provide academic tutoring and soccer Instruction to the young girls and boys of East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park. The children would be aged between 5 and 9 years. Selection criteria and continued enrollment is based on, but not limited to, several factors.

These factors being, academic need and performance, financial need and consistent attendance. Specifically, STEP will provide an academic assistance program for children aged 5 to 9 years. Initially we will have a ratio of 1 to 3 tutor to participant. Once the program is established and our volunteer tutor base grows we will have a 1 to 1 tutor/participant ratio. Tutors will come from the local mid peninsula high schools, junior colleges and the vast local university student base, not to mention the adult community. The children will also participate in the Soccer Academy (directed by the Union Football Academy, UFA).

Participation at the Academy will require that children and the families thereof commit to disciplined scholastic improvement and maintain acceptable academic standards and consistent participation. We would seek to create a congenial relationship between STEP, the child's family and their elementary school in order to provide guidance and a system of accountability for the child from their immediate social environment.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

One of the most important elements in the future success of the STEP program will be the vital role which parents will be asked to play. Parents will be called upon to ensure their child remains committed to the program and be prepared, should the occasion present itself, to deal with any discipline issues directly or indirectly affecting their child and attendance at the STEP program. We will encourage parental communication with the program staff and hope to build friendships in the community through this connection. Our best support is the fundamental support of and by the community itself.

Simon Ireland & Gary Ireland