Albuquerque Public Schools
Community Unites to Support APS Students in Need
Soccer Clinic Builds Confidence and Belonging for Homeless and Foster Care Youth.
APS students facing homelessness or in foster care were treated to a special New Mexico United coaching session on Wednesday as part of a partnership aimed at helping them build confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.
Forty-three McKinney-Vento students participated in the soccer clinic at Garfield Middle School, and each received a free New Mexico United shirt, sling pack, United sticker, soccer ball and tickets to the Aug. 16 home game. Organizers hope the event inspires students to pursue soccer and other sports.
The clinic was made possible by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, New Mexico United, the APS McKinney-Vento and Foster Care teams and Kids First.
“I'm so excited to be able to see how the community is coming together for all of our students,” Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Gabriella Blakey said.
“You all are special every day,” Blakey told students. “Today you’re extra special because New Mexico United players are going to play soccer with you.”
The McKinney-Vento Program works with students facing housing insecurity. The program connects those students and their families with community programs and resources to stabilize their situations. The superintendent praised McKinney-Vento staffers, saying they “work really hard to make sure that our students have everything they need to be successful.”
State House Speaker Javier Martinez was also on hand to cheer on the students and to thank the community partners who made the clinic a reality.
Martinez told students the community came out to celebrate them because they are incredible.
“You guys are an important part of our schools, an important part of our community, and we wouldn’t do anything that we do if it weren’t for you – to make life better for you and your families and your parents,” Martinez said. “So if you’re going to take something away from today, it’s that you’re special. That you’re amazing.”
Bryan Garcia, who works with community schools, said events like this help create a sense of belonging for students.
“It really builds resilience and self-esteem, gives them all that confidence and really offers that stability,” Garcia said. “They’re facing challenges, but they get that confidence to be able to overcome those challenges.”