I was first introduced to Soccer Without Borders (SWB) when I worked as the Program Coordinator for the Youth Enrichment Program (YEP) at Tennyson High School. At the time, I was just helping out and supporting the program, but the more I got to know the participants, the more I wanted to be involved. 

During lunch, I often spent time with the participants, sharing leftover fruit from the lunch meals and talking with them about school and life. On Fridays, when the program held practices after school, I would walk down to the field to see them in action. Sometimes, I would finish my administrative work from the sidelines just to stay connected and visible. 

Eventually, Coach Jose invited me to volunteer by helping drive participants to their Saturday games. Those trips quickly became one of my favorite parts of the week. The car rides gave us time to talk, share music, and build relationships. One of my favorite memories is hearing John and Juan Pablo singing Bad Bunny songs at the top of their lungs on the way home. 

Over time, I built many small and meaningful connections. Sitting with participants during lunch, hearing their stories about moving to a new country, and celebrating small victories together made me realize how special this program is. I’ll never forget the day I opened an email on the field and saw my acceptance into graduate school. The first person I told was a participant standing nearby, and we celebrated that moment together. 

Now, as a teacher at Tennyson High and still a volunteer with SWB, I have seen how much this program means to its participants. As someone who grew up in Hayward, I feel proud to see a program that not only gives participants a place to play soccer but also helps them grow as people. 

SWB makes sure participants have what they need to be part of the program. They provide rides, equipment, and caring coaches who support them on and off the field. I have also seen the program help participants understand their GPA, encourage them to build positive relationships with teachers, and connect them to resources like healthcare, housing, and jobs. 

This November, I will be running the New York City Marathon to raise funds for Soccer Without Borders. Eight months ago, I couldn’t run one lap without needing to stop. But this program has taught me the importance of trying new things and believing in yourself. 

The participants I’ve met through SWB have inspired me with their courage and resilience. They remind me every day what is possible when you have a team that believes in you. I’m running this marathon to give back to a program that continues to make a real difference in my community. 

Every donation will help Soccer Without Borders continue to provide mentorship, opportunities, and support for youth in Hayward and beyond. 

I’m running for them — and I hope you’ll join me. 

Support my run and help more participants find a place to belong.

Donations at any level are greatly appreciate. Here are some examples of what your giving will support:

• $50 – provide a team with healthy snacks or support costs for educational materials used for academic support.
• $100 – help cover game day referee and field fees, so that an SWB team can play for free.
• $250 – purchase training equipment, like cones, small goals and rope ladders.
• $500 – fund a field trip, workshop or other team-building activity for personal development.
• $1,000 and above – help fund a coach, educator or mentor position, supporting SWB staff who work with youth every day to reach their full potential as athletes, students and individuals.

I hope you will support my cause and donate to Soccer Without Borders!