Embedded Files
Building Belonging Through the Power of Play
Oshkosh North High School Soccer Field
Through shared goals, movement, and play, students connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and form meaningful relationships within their new community. It’s where joy meets purpose—and where every student has a chance to shine. Regular practices, friendly matches, and skill-building activities, students strengthen not only their physical health but also essential life skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork.
Building Community Through Play
Building Community Through Play
The Soccer Program, a key component of the MCO initiative in partnership with District United, provides students a fun and engaging way to stay active. More than just a game, the program builds teamwork, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
"We had a lot of fun working with the students, and the experience also challenged us and taught us a great deal. Many of the refugee students arrive in America with an incredible level of resilience and determination because of what they’ve been through, yet many have never experienced an organized sports program. That opened my eyes to the importance of adapting my language and communication to meet their needs, not just relying on what I think is right." - Coach Billy
DISTRICTED UNITED
Guided by supportive coaches and mentors, the MCO Soccer Program creates a welcoming space where students can bond with peers, relieve stress, and connect through the universal language of sport. In this environment of belonging and growth, youth build confidence, form meaningful friendships, and begin to feel more at home in their community.
This experience taught me a lot about myself and reminded me why I love the game of soccer. As for the kids, I hope it creates a safe space for them to express themselves, build confidence, and break down language and cultural barriers, all while growing as both players and people. - Coach Billy
Coach Billy
Coach John
Coach Jalen
Coach Jordan
"Working with students from a refugee background is deeply meaningful to me. I've been in their shoes and I didn't always have people of my own background around me. I want to share my soccer knowledge with them and hope it helps them go far. Having soccer knowledge for 15 years, I know the community you build and the culture you bring to the group has a powerful impact on you as an individual. It fosters teamwork, communication and guidance" - Coach John
Coach Billy
Coach Jalen
Coach John
Coach Jordan
"We had a lot of fun teaching the kids and discovering new ways to communicate. We did it! We overcame a lot of challenges, learned every day, and grew alongside the kids. Our goal is to make it even bigger and better next year." - Coach Billy
TRAINING EVALUATIONS
Pacman/Pacwomen: Keep the ball close when dribbling so you can pass quickly. Keep your head up to spot taggers and open players. Use a fake to make others jump, then pass once they land. Stay square to your target when passing, and lock your ankle with toes up and out.
1v1 Defending to Diagonal Goals: Bend your defensive run to protect the goal first. Take short steps as you approach, stay sideways, and jockey back while waiting for the attacker to make a mistake.
4v4 to Multiple Goals: Passing technique: lock your ankle and follow through toward your target.Team attacking shape: maintain width and depth.
7v7 Scrimmage: Introduction to the Game of Soccer
"Bringing the community together is a great feeling. I'm grateful to be apart of it, to watch it grow, and to see everyone come together to support each other." - Coach John
"I’ve always felt that giving back to the community is both a privilege and an honor, and it’s always rewarding to help others. My hope is that years from now, one of these students will be able to do the same for the next generation of refugee kids." - Coach Billy
Connection Through the Game
Connection Through the Game
In a positive, team-centered environment, students connect with peers, build new skills, and experience the power of play as a bridge to belonging.
Whether they’re running drills, celebrating goals, or cheering each other on, participants find joy, encouragement, and mutual respect. The program nurtures not only athletic growth but also emotional resilience, teamwork, and cultural exchange.
More than a sports program, MCO Soccer is a space of healing and joy—a place where lasting memories are made and meaningful relationships take root. For students with refugee backgrounds adjusting to life in a new country, these moments of connection offer both stability and a sense of home within their community.
"Many of the coaches who helped in the program have been playing soccer their entire lives, and I’ve been playing for 28 years myself. We often see ourselves in the students soccer has always been more than just a sport for me; it’s been a way to build friendships, experience teamwork, and connect with people from different backgrounds. The game creates a sense of belonging and unity, regardless of language or cultural differences. On the field, we all speak the same language and share the same passion. I know firsthand how soccer can give someone confidence, purpose, and community. I also must give a lot of credit to the staff and teachers who supported us throughout the summer. They were out there every day in the heat with us, making sure the kids had what they needed. Seeing everyone coming together is exactly what soccer is all about. I know the kids are inspired by the support of the staff." - Coach Billy
TRAINING EVALUATIONS
2v2 to Endlines: Dribble directly at the defender so you can move either left or right. Change your speed after making your move to get past them. Use small touches as you approach so you can act at any moment. Time your move carefully—too early and the defender recovers; too late and you’ll run into them. Always look beyond the defender to decide whether to attack open space or pass to a teammate.
1v1 Double Goal: Dribble directly at the defender so you can move left or right. After making your move, change your pace and explode past them. If you can’t get by, use a move to unbalance the defender and create enough space to pass through the mini goal. Always think ahead about the move you want to use—over time, these moves will become natural and instinctive.
1 v Mannequin Dribbling: Dribble straight at the mannequin so you can move in either direction. Take small touches as you approach to maintain balance and control. After getting past the mannequin, pass the ball immediately to the next player. Make sure players practice moves to both the left and right sides.
4v4 to Endlines: Dribble directly at the defender so you can move left or right. Use small touches as you approach to stay in control and ready to act at any moment. After your move, change your pace to burst past the defender. Time your move carefully—too early and they recover, too late and you’ll run into them. Always look beyond the defender to decide whether to attack open space or pass to a teammate.
Students and staff work together to keep everyone hydrated between drills, making sure participants have the energy and focus to keep playing, learning, and growing. These small acts of care help create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, on and off the field.
CELEBRATIONS
BALL IN ACTION
"With District United, we always huddle and shout “Family on three” for many reasons. Of course, everyone has their own family at home, but I challenge my players to think about how we bring that word family to life with their soccer family. Just like in a real family, you might have disagreements and even fights, but you always come back together to help each other get better, no matter what. That’s the culture we want to build challenge each other like brothers and sisters but always focus on how to grow stronger together." - Coach Billy
"Family on 3"
"1...2...3...."
"FAMILY!!!"
I would say have faith in yourself, visualize what you want to accomplish, and go after it. And when you do, approach it with compassion and care. - Coach Billy
My advice is to stay engaged with your community and keep building connections with people. It will benefit you in the long run. - Coach John
(ESOL - English to Speakers of Other Languages MCO - Multicultural Outreach)
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