The organization understands that it can’t provide everything these children need and they are quick to work with outside resources. However, they do believe that the kinds of relationships developed through sport are valuable in dealing with the kinds of challenges faced by newcomers.



“It’s just having another group that’s looking out for them to plug them into other community resources as well,” said Gucciardi, “The role the coaches play, a lot of the times the coaches will be the first person to recognize someone who is having a hard time. It’s just having that adult that you can call when you’re not feeling good or having a hard time. I think that’s in some ways to me the best part of everything that we do. Those relationship where you have that trust and that connection and ultimately I think most things boil down to relationships.”

The organization, according to Gucciardi, is most effective as a partner to schools and much of the way they understand their impact is through the improved success the children in the program have scholastically.

“One of the things we’re really proud of is that, typically speaking, 95% of our kids have graduated from high school,” said Gucciardi, “Which means that out of a team of 20 you’re seeing 18 of those kids who will stay in school and graduate high school. I think a lot of that is attributed to regular participation in the program. It just provides a structure, it provides a mentor and somebody who is looking out for you. We monitor their grades, we understand what is going on with them and are just trying to understand how to support them best.”



This focus on education has led to a phenomenon Gucciardi is particularly proud of. Alumni from the programming are returning to help the next generation of kids.