LIKE 2023’S NMBLC THEME “TAYARI,” OUR SOCCER PLAYERS ARE GETTING READY

There’s nothin’ wrong with promoting physical, mental, and emotional growth in our kids. When we build a sense of community and connection with them, that helps them build their own future. And that’s the idea behind our Van Buren Middle School Soccer Program, headed up by UpLift Street Team Coordinator Derek Lujan.

The program is intended to give students an opportunity to practice together, grow in teamsmanship, and play matches against other schools. Van Buren is a majority-Hispanic school with a high percentage of ESL students and also students who primarily speak Swahili at home. The Falcons soccer team will offer support and guidance and can help buoy academic achievement rates.

Coach Lujan grew up blocks away from Van Buren and first spoke Spanish with his immigrant parents before his brother helped him with English. He’s excited to give back to the community he’s closely connected to. “I’ll be coaching alongside APD Ambassador Hence Williams,” a former college athlete and SWAT officer invested in the well-being of the ID’s kids. Van Buren’s own ace volleyball coach and Middle School Leadership Program (MSLP) director, Darius Fuller, will also be assisting.

The middle school provided the team’s cool uniforms and is allowing use of their field. An $800 program stipend will be used for transportation and the season runs from mid-March through the end of April, with practices usually starting at 3:30p. Please contact Derek Lujan at dlujan@nmblc.org or 505.859.7967 if you have any questions and let’s get ready to soar into our inaugural season!