6th Graders

As winter break settles in we, at the America SCORES LA office, want to give a special shout out to our 6th graders at Charnock Elementary! 

Our 6th graders have been a tremendous group! They participate in practice, help their peers, and have helped in many more ways. A couple of situations that have stood out are Game Day, helping their coaches, and becoming mentors for the younger students. Coach Nahoul and Coach Zee gave them a referee crash course that they grasped and used to take over Game Day in the most productive way possible. Aside from running Game Day the 6th graders help their coaches back at Charnock by grabbing equipment, taking attendance, bringing in all of the students and making sure everything else is taken care of. When they aren't being top notch coach assistants they are mentors to our younger group of students; whether it be Junior SCORES or any students younger than them.

They have all done an exceptional job! We couldn't be more proud of them than we already are!! keep up the great work and don't stray away from who you are becoming!

 

Sad To Say...

 

Today is the last game day and to top that off its our Program Director's last day. Yes, today will be Dre's last day. As sad as this day is we can't be more than honored to have Dre be a part of our program. He has helped out so much with LA SCORES and helped shape our program. We at the office, and all of the coaches as well as the students, want to shout out "THANK YOU" for you're spectacular and tremendous efforts through out the years.

We send you all of our good vibes and hope you the best!

GAMEDAY!!

     Last Friday was the very first game day of the season and it couldn't have gone better! The children were full of energy and it felt like they had so much to spare that the coaches themselves fed off of it. Charnock provided 13 of their very own 6th graders to be referees. All of the games were really intense; there wasn't a clean domination over any of the teams on any of our six fields.

     I, coach Nahoul, took charge of one of the Palms boys teams and we played against coach Armond's Charnock boys team. This was, in my opinion, one of the most suspenseful, energetic, passion felt games I have ever seen. It was back and forth; shot after shot after shot from both teams. Isaac Osuna, a player from Charnock, caused serious problems for us but it was handled by our composed defense. The game ended in a 1-1 draw with both teams shaking each others hand and not letting the heat of the game affect their friendship in any way.

     Looking at last Friday as an example, I'm pretty sure we will be in for a pleasant afternoon filled with exciting games from both the girls and boys side.

     I hope everybody goes and shows their support! 

My Second Year at LA Scores!

My name is Clay Knobler and I am an intern at LA Scores.  I've worked both at the office and coached at different LA Scores affiliated schools during my two years with the program.  Last year I began to work with LA Scores because my high school, Wildwood, has an internship program where each student must work at an internship cite.  I value service immensely and knew that LA Scores, an organization that has helped build the character of countless young people, would be a great fit for me.   Although the prospect of working in an service-oreinted environment drew me to LA Scores, excitable kids, kind staff members, and a terrific curriculum kept me here.  After the end of my school year I requested to continue working with LA Scores.  Why would I ever want to stop working along side incredible individuals who genuinely care about the terrific children they teach?
So I am currently interning at LA Scores again this year and I couldn't be happier!  Last week I visited an LA Scores school and fell in love with the program all over again.  I really appreciate the work that the coaches and teachers at LA Scores do and how it helps shape children into the most mature, responsible young people that they can be.

Up Coming Events And Updates

    

      It has been a month since school's started and I have already heard students' complaints about homework. All I can say is to keep working hard; the hard work done today will not be forgotten tomorrow. The program has been flowing very smoothly since day 1!! Students have not argued, poked each others eyes, pulled hair, or anything and we can't be more proud of them for maintaining the peace and friendship with one another. Both the Girls and Boys have shown a vast amount of maturity for their age and make our jobs that much simpler and enjoyable.

     On another note, The America SCORES LA Corporate Cup is only days away. On Sunday, September 22, 2013 the cup will take place. 14 teams have entered the tournament and are waiting for the day to show case their talents. It will be a big day for America SCORES LA; volunteers will be widely accepted. For more information regarding volunteering at the SCORES cup or at any of our Elementary Schools contact Armond Richards at arichards@americascores.org.

     Finally, GAME DAY! The season is upon us; this means Palms elementary and Braddock Elementary will be up and running very soon. Season starts on the 25th as a slow introduction to the program for the new students enrolling into the program. We could not ask for a better start to this year and only hope it gets better through out the rest of the year.

     This is coach Nahoul signing out and hoping you have an amazing day.

Summer Camp '13

     The Summer has come to an end and the children are back to the once daily routine of waking up and going to school. Its terrible but we have to get it done one way or another. This past summer camp was a success from having most of the students in the regular program come in the summer to the mass amount of volunteers we had. Everything went according to plan and flowed very smoothly. As a coach I can say that this summer was one of the best that have been held; children were behaving and while adding a little spice to the program, and helping one another which was such a sight to see! The soccer games were intense; they were often won by a goal or tied at 0-0.
     We were fortunate enough to be invited to attend a Chivas USA game versus Toronto FC at the StubHub center. All of the children were excited to see Chivas live; especially with their seats extremely close to the field. After receiving an amazing  pass from Bowen, Erick “Cubo” Torres took two steps before unleashing a beauty of a shot to put Chivas ahead 1-0. All of the children were going crazy from the excitement of Chivas scoring and winning 1-0 over Toronto FC.
     The last day of camp is a sad day, the students enjoy the last two weeks of summer break all to themselves. We don't let them leave just like that though. Oh no. We threw a party for them; Both parents and coaches united to plan out something special for the kids. And as it turned out, everybody had a blast! throwing water balloons, playing soccer, having a lot of food, LA Galaxy accuracy games, and a DJ to put the final touches. Everybody left with a smile, from the kids in Junior SCORES to the volunteers and parents.
     This years summer camp was a complete success and I'm sure i speak for everybody when i say nobody can wait for the next one to come.

Two Days Down

The school year is officially underway as we make preparations for our third day of programming at Charnock Elementary. As a coach for Charnock for the last 4 years, it is always a good and rejuvenating moment when I see how much the kids have grown over the summer. Between the smiles, the reunions with old friends, and their excitement to see returning coaches, I am blissfully aware of how much I love my job. Working with kids is never an easy job, but LA Scores kids often prove themselves to be exceptions to the rule. If I were to predict the success of the year based on the first two days, I would conclude that this promises to be one of the best years America Scores LA will have. I look forward to all the adventures I'm sure will come our way. I will leave you with a ferocious pic of Jonny The Shark. Coach Armond out.

Nahoul Gonzalez; Thee one and only

     Good morning everybody, my name is Nahoul Gonzalez and I'm extremely excited to let you know that I will continue my contribution to LA Scores by working along side the amazing Dre, David, and, not so awesome, Armond. (don't tell him I said that) I was offered an opportunity to work along side them in the LA Scores office as a member of Coach Across America.

     Just a little background info for everybody, I am a graduate from Hamilton High School and currently am a college student with aspirations of becoming a professional athlete. I am currently enrolled at Santa Monica College as a junior. My current goal, academic wise, is to transfer out to a four-year university with an Associates degree. I plan on being an Athletic Trainer and a Physical Therapist as well. My mind is set and what I've decided on pursuing is what I will reach.

     Aside from school, most know me as a soccer player. I played for Hamilton my sophomore, junior and senior year as defender and as a midfielder. My senior year I was selected to be the captain of the soccer team. Then came college, I tried out and made the Santa Monica Corsairs soccer team the past fall semester as a defender and midfielder. The highlight of my career would probably be the two week trip to Brazil; I was training with a professional soccer team from Brazil, Atlético Paranaense. As of Right now I am playing on a premier team in South Gate, we're in the UPSL league and finished second this past season.
     
     I was a former coach at Charnock Elementary but my studies got in the way and I had to step back from it. Luckily, I was able to stay around as a substitute coach and help out during game day which felt great knowing I wasn't completely out of the program. 

     That's a simple background as to who I am and what I have planned for the future. I look forward to helping out the program as much as I can. Soooooooo yea.. haha I wont keep you guys and gals anymore. Have a great day. Peace.

Playing Catch Up!!!

      Seeing as how the last blog post was over 2 months ago, how about we catch you up? For programming, we have been in full swing since Mar 6. We have hired quite a few new coaches, most notably at Braddock Elementary School. Perhaps you will get a chance to meet them.
      Our local Poetry SLAM was held on Mar 20 at Charnock Elementary School. We bussed the students from Palms and Broddock and everyone was able to stand on stage to perform various poems as to why, who, and for what they are thankful for. Since our SLAM was held later in the year than previous SLAMs, we were able to have the poets we selected to represent LA Scores in the America Scores NAtional SLAM perform their poems for all their friends in LA.
      Speaking of the National SLAM, we at LA Scores, want to take this time to say how proud we are of the students who were LA's representatives in New York for America Scores' National SLAM held earlier this month. Evan Rocha of Charnock and Tiarra Joseph of Palms were model students while in New York and both received standing ovations from the audience attending the National SLAM. They were chaperoned by Coach Armond, who is awesome in his own right.
      That's the news for now. Some of our upcoming events include the Jamboree to be held at the end of this season, SHOUT Week for the various schools to present their community service projects, Summer Camps, and our annual Inspired Art Event. Things are getting very excited for LA Scores and we hope you all will continue to support us. In the mean time, enjoy the pic below of Evan, Tiarra, and Coaches David and Armond in New York's famous Central Park.

Middle School Trip to UCLA

Here at LA SCORES we have seen what the impact of a visit to a college campus can have on students. Miguel, who was in middle school when he went on an LA SCORES field trip to CSUN, decided then and there that that was the school for him. Years and lots of hardwork later, Miguel is not only at sophomore at Cal State Northridge, but a member of the club soccer team and student leader in various clubs on campus.

Last Friday, LA SCORES participants at Palms Middle School had a similar opportunity when they visited the campus of UCLA. The trip, coordinated and sponsored by the organization Coaching Corps (click here to visit their website) included a tour of many of the major sports facilities on campus as well as a Q & A panel consisting of students with a variety of experiences, student athletes in tennis, football, and dance, a Gates Scholar, club leaders, all representing different majors as well.

Throughout the tour, our LA SCORES students had the opportunity to speak with volunteers from Coaching Corps as they walked with our group through the entire tour. Outside of their wonderful hospitality, highlights of the trip included a visit to the UCLA Hall of Fame where all the Championship Trophies were on display, along with profiles on some of the most successful atheletes to come out of UCLA. (Fun fact: Did you know that if you took all the Olympic medals won by UCLA athletes and compared it to the the rest of the world, the school would rank fifth all time!) After this, we were taken to the student gym, Drake Field (a personal favorite since this is the soccer stadium) and a private tour of the brand new Pauly Pavilion! Our students were guided by Mick Deluca, Executive Director of Recreation and Campus Life at UCLA, and taken around the basketball stadium, through the player entrance and then had the chance to play and take pictures on the actual court! All around it was an experience anyone would be lucky to have, but we are especially proud that our students were a part of it.


You never know what the impact of a college visit is going to be, but I can say confidently that we have more than a few future Bruins in our midst now. Thanks again to Joe Hong, Cameron Hajialiakbar, Angi Daus, Cristina Tolentino, Mick Deluca, and everyone else who helped put this great trip together!

Finding a home at LA Scores

Hey guys.  I’m Clay; one of two LA Scores interns attending Wildwood high school in Santa Monica.  I’ve helped out at both the LA Scores office and at multiple LA Scores schools nearby.  I’ve really cherished my experiences with LA Scores.  During this time I’ve been able to make connections with both the friendly and responsible LA Scores staff, and with LA Scores poet-athletes, many of whom are the friendliest kids I know!

I was first drawn to the organization because I appreciate the stress LA Scores puts on the importance of both literacy and physical health.  I instantly felt connected with LA Scores on a personal level because they emphasize both social, and leadership skills: two characteristics I value greatly.  LA Scores teachings are reflected through the health and happiness of each and every LA Scores poet-athlete.

Every time I visit a LA Scores school I am charmed by the charisma and self-awareness each LA Scores poet-athlete possesses.  They are skilled problem-solvers and there is rarely any conflict.  Every LA Scores poet-athlete that I’ve encountered is bright and filled with joy!  Maybe this is a reflection of LA Scores’ expert staff.

From the soccer coaches to the poetry teachers, to the office staff, LA scores is filled with diligent, hard workers, who are eager to make a difference within their community.  It has been an excitement and a pleasure to get to know and work with all of them.  The staff is an extraordinary group of people who teach children in an extraordinarily fun way! 

I knew from the moment I joined the LA Scores community that I would fit in, and I feel perfectly at home within this welcoming, passionate, and friendly group!