One soccer program is looking to serve immigrant youth and refugees in Hayward. Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) approved a contract with Soccer Without Borders (SWB) at the Sept. 23 board meeting. SWB is a nonprofit that offers a holistic approach to support students through soccer.
The program is being offered to 35 Tennyson High School students. It would have a girls’ and boys’ soccer team for a whole academic year, starting on Sept. 28, 2026, to early June 2027.
SWB focuses on providing access to soccer for all youth, especially underserved youth and youth who just arrived from another country.
The soccer coaches work with students and find ways for them to learn and practice speaking English. The program supports students by centering youth identities and creating a safe space to share their culture and lived experiences.
SWB is providing everything to run a soccer team, free of cost to students. This includes uniforms, soccer balls, socks, shin guards and cleats. They’re also providing transportation to and from games, recruiting volunteers to help out with games and practices, and outreach to families through home visits to provide community resources.
The academic aspect includes getting students ready for college and a career, tutoring, workshops and wellness activities. SWB uses trauma-informed coaching to provide a safe space for students to share emotional struggles and foster healing, confidence and resilience.
“Meet me on the Pitch” sessions are specialized practice sessions where staff facilitate conversations and provide mental health support. That includes healthy coping strategies, becoming self aware, strengthening relationships and providing a space for youth to make them feel like they belong.
