Albuquerque Public Schools
Middle School Soccer Program Cultivates Growth and Community
The 2024-2025 Middle School Soccer Program proved to be a significant success, with over 1,000 students from 27 middle schools engaging in a season that emphasized both athletic development and vital social-emotional learning.
The program actively cultivated a sense of community and the importance of teamwork, skills that extended beyond the soccer field. As the season culminated in the finals at the Mesa del Sol Soccer Complex, the Jefferson boys' and girls' teams emerged as champions, showcasing not only their talent but also the spirit of collaboration fostered by the program.
The Roosevelt Middle School girls' soccer team was selected as the 2025 Middle School Soccer League Sportsmanship Award Winner. This recognition was chosen by referees for the team’s outstanding attitude, respect and character throughout the season.
At its core, this initiative aims to provide equitable soccer opportunities for all genders, particularly low-income students who lack access to club soccer. The program goes beyond simply teaching the sport; it intentionally supports student learning, improves attendance, and instills crucial values such as understanding what it means to win with grace and to lose with dignity and respect.
The success of this program is a testament to the strong partnership between the City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), the ABC Community School Partnership, and the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association, who recognize the profound impact of sports on the overall well-being and development of young people.