Community Renewal Good Stories - Detroit

Information by State  Print version

EZ-Funded Soccer Program Inspires Detroit Youth

Detroit, Michigan, EZ

Since 1997, when THINK DETROIT began offering soccer to children in the EZ, it had been unable to sustain a league specifically for girls. With the help of a $47,000 EZ Innovation Fund grant, this nonprofit sports and technology organization now brings the world's most popular sport to 650 girls each year.

Patricia Frayre is one of the league's many success stories. Despite being diagnosed with kidney stones in late 2002, Frayre, a 15-yearold Western High School student, was a forward and leading scorer on Western's squad. The following June, after a 2-day tryout with THINK DETROIT, Frayre joined 18 other members of the Under-18 Detroit Turbo team, an elite travel squad for players with advanced skills.

THINK DETROIT gives EZ youth the opportunity to participate in after-school sports leagues and computer classes. Its first summer baseball season included 120 children. Today THINK DETROIT serves more than 4,000 girls and boys annually in baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball. Nearly 1,000 children take part in leadership development and computer training courses. By using sports and technology to build character in youth, THINK DETROIT aims to provide equal opportunities for boys and girls; foster a positive family environment; provide safe, clean fields and facilities; and pay consistent attention to detail.

The THINK DETROIT youth soccer league, which began with 25 children, had managed successful growth but had not been capable of creating a separate girls league until June 2002 when it received the EZ grant to establish a program for females ages 7 to 18. The group's recreation league now includes allgirl soccer teams in four divisions: Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, and Under-14.

The nonprofit also works closely with the Detroit Public Schools to offer girls soccer at five high schools. In summer 2003 THINK DETROIT held tryouts for two select teams of girls in the Under-18 and Under-15 divisions. These teams travel to nearby communities and compete at a higher level. As team members, the girls learn to be on time for games and practices, work together, and compete with class and dignity. Thanks to the EZ Innovation Fund, THINK DETROIT is looking forward to having its first girl receive a soccer scholarship to college.

For more information about THINK DETROIT's athletic programs, contact Frederick Hunter, athletic director, at (313) 833-1600. For more information on the programs of the Detroit EZ, please contact Executive Director Larry Givens at (313) 872-8050.