[Photostory 4: Struggle] Underprivileged youth sports in statesboro battle in a preseason soccer scrimage

 

Coach Val briefs the team on the opponent's strategy. Langston Chapel middle school has very little to no funding for their co-ed soccer team.  

The girls on the team collect soccer balls for the soccer bag. The team has one ball bag with only 8 balls, coach ceci says "they spend more time collecting the balls then actually practicing"

The team lines up for sprints. Four kids on the team habitually skip practice and games to work jobs with their parents. 

Charlie stretches his hamstrings before the game. Charlie is a rising freshman and this is his last scrimmage before high school tryouts.

Valentina takes a shot during warm ups. The warm up drill was a cross pass to a open net, the kids struggled to understand this basic drill.

With in the first 5 minutes of the game Mill Creek Middle school scored. The goal keeper Matteo was not broken down by this early goal but felt empowered by it and didn't let any goals in after.

Mill Creek player takes the ball and completes a run half way down the field. "Langston Chapel faced Mill Creek in the final last season, one of the mill creek players told a langston chapel player that his cleats looked like they were from goodwill." Coach Ceci

Coach Ceci heads to the field after half-time. Langston Chapel couldn't afford referees for the scrimmage so they lost a coach so they could provide the game with one center ref.

Thomas ties his shoe before taking a penalty kick. Thomas takes his time to let his teamates find their mark for the kick. 

Mill Creeks substitute signals to the ref for a sub. This was his first game with the team. 

Parker runs in and blocks number 66's shot. Her leg had a soccer ball shaped mark on it from how hard number 66 kicked.

Both teams run off the field for a hydration break. "hydration break brought to you by verizon"-Coach Val jokes.

Number 8 dribbles the ball up the field for a goal. Most of the team live at the trailer park across the street, their parents don't drive, and most of them work late. 

Number 2 throws in the ball for another goal for Langston Chapel. The team mostly gets their gear from 2nd hand stores and older siblings. 

Mill Creek has a throw in and Langston Chapels player waits to get an interference. The wealth difference can be seen clearly between these teams, only 3 langston chapel players had shin guards when Mill Creeks players all had new uniforms and shin guards and cleats.

Emilio gets subbed out for the last time on this team. 3 players are ending their Langston Chapel soccer career tonight. 

Valerina and Grant battle for the ball. Valerina lives in a 3 bedroom trailer home with her 4 brothers. 

Valerina takes a goal kick for her team. Her parents go to every single game even though it is hard to get to the game for them. 

Both teams shake hands after a 3-1 win for Langston chapel. Langston chapel lost last season to Mill Creek but redeemed themselves today. 

The team poses for a photo before their team post game meeting. The team still struggles with funding and equipment but they still share the joy of the game and teamwork.