Girls Got Goals Kicks Back Into Action

It’s that time of year again, Girls Got Goals is back in action!

Now in its 16th season, our Girls Got Goals league continues to provide an outlet for middle school girls to learn a new sport in a safe and supportive environment. This year, five teams will compete in league play for a chance at the coveted title. 

Last year’s champion, Everett Middle School, saw a huge surge in interest after taking home the big trophy, so much so, that this year they are fielding two teams to keep up with the demand! Girls Got Goals has a rich history as a nurturing safe space for young women to build community and develop as athletes and human beings. With 127 players enrolled, including expansion into the high school and elementary age groups, this year is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet!

Grateful for our amazing GGG Coaching staff!

Outside of the weekly games and practices, Jamestown Sports Director Ariel Esqueda, will host personal development workshops focusing on the specific needs of each team. Past workshops have included college prep courses, healthy living seminars and restorative justice classes rooted in developing positive cultural identity for Black and Latinx youth. 

The workshops build off the program’s youth development framework and are tailored to address the direct needs of the participants. Jamestown understands that not every youth receives the same type of intentional and focused instruction in their everyday academic lives. By creating and cultivating programs like Girls Got Goals, we are able to engage students in a more intimate space, allowing us to build interpersonal relationships that strengthen our families and communities. 

Jamestown Celebrates Our First Annual Atletas Banquet

On May 21st, 2019, The Jamestown Community Center held our very first Atletas Award Banquet for soccer coaches and families who are a part of Soccer For All. Sports Director, Ariel Esqueda, and Soccer Program Coordinator, Gerardo Hernandez, welcomed everyone with warmth and excitement.

Families arrived with smiles to the Mission Language Vocational School, located right above the new Jamestown office. The historic banquet hall known for holding community dances and activities, was decked out in dazzling black and gold decor, smells of delicious food prepared by MLVS students and festive music floated through the air.

The awards were presented to Jamestown soccer coaches who have gone above and beyond to invest into their teams and players. Jamestown Coach of over 12 years, Cesar Lepe, received the Lepe Golazo Award for promoting Jamestown’s Sports Program Core values of sportsmanship, commitment, leadership and fun. Coaches Jesus Salmeron and Jeff Flores, who have been with Jamestown for over 20 and 10 years respectively, received the Salmeron Corazon Award for their many years of commitment and dedication to the Jamestown sports community. Each coach also received a Certificate of Honor from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Two youth players from each team won VIP awards for stellar sportsmanship, commitment, leadership, and fun.

Families gathered around and cheered for their coaches, as Ariel and Gerardo presented the awards. Executive Director, Myrna Melgar, made a speech celebrating the coaches’ and Jamestown’s continued spirit of leadership, family, and love. The honored coaches have shown their dedication by sometimes covering fees for families who couldn’t, as well as mentoring players one-on-one to better focus on school and their future. Furthermore, they have also assisted in training other Jamestown coaches to become strong leaders.

The Banquet ended with pink sangria, arroz con leche, warm hugs, and congratulations. We are already looking forward to celebrating our coaches continued commitment and dedication to Jamestown Soccer Programs’ next year.

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Girls Got Goals Kicks Off Season Play!

After spending last semester training under the tutelage of a dedicated coaching staff, our Girls Got Goals participants are ready to hit the pitch!

The 15th season of the Girls Got Goals league is underway for 85 girls from across the city. This year, Willie Brown Middle School will join five other middle schools in league play as both a participant and host site for games along with Everett Middle School.

With women accounting for 70% of team leadership, Girls Got Goals continues its work as a nurturing, uplifting space for young ladies to learn a new sport and develop the social and life skills necessary to become leaders in their community. Aside from regular league matches, Girls Got Goals will also host four workshops throughout the season under the guidance of Jamestown Sports Director Ariel Esqueda.

The workshops build off the program’s youth development framework and touches on subjects such as team building, healthy habits and self confidence. Another addition to this year’s programming will be the End of Season Award Ceremony. Awards will include individual recognitions such as Golden Boot (most goals scored) and honors for Sports(wo)manship and teamwork.

This year is shaping to be memorable one for Girls Got Goals, especially with the Elementary School division kicking off soon! For a full schedule of the Girls Got Goals League, check out the link here.