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Silverbacks, Soccer in the Streets Team Up

May 1, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta Silverbacks in Action
Atlanta Silverbacks in Action
(Atlanta Silverbacks)

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Silverbacks announced the continuation of the Club's partnership with Soccer In The Streets through the 2015 season, illustrating its dedication to Atlanta's youth and the benefits of education, nutrition and lifelong relationships through the soccer. Through the partnership, Soccer In The Streets and the Silverbacks will team up in order to empower underserved youth through soccer, character development, mentoring, and employability programs.

"The Atlanta Silverbacks have been a great partner to Soccer In The Streets over the years," Soccer In The Streets chief executive officer Jill Robbins said. "From providing opportunities for our kids to see professional soccer up close to providing our teenagers employment experience on game days, the Silverbacks have been great supporters of Soccer in the Streets."

Silverbacks forward and NASL co-leading scorer Shaka Bangura is the definition of Soccer In The Streets' potential. The 29-year-old Sierra Leone native arrived in College Park, Ga., as a teenager with little more than fantasies of playing professional soccer.

Thirteen years later, Bangura participates as a coach for Soccer In The Streets' programs in College Park and on the west side of Atlanta at the John Hope Community Center.

"Shaka coaches in our program, which is a special experience for his players," Soccer In The Streets chief development officer Jason Longshore told www.SoccerATL.com in March. "He's a very good coach, and is a great role model for our kids. We're lucky to have him involved in our program."

Bangura has scored two goals in four matches - starting every one - for the Silverbacks as they ride a five-match unbeaten run dating back to the 2014 Fall finale.

"Atlanta became my home when I arrived as a 16-year-old," Bangura said. "One of the biggest reasons it is my home is because of Soccer In The Streets. What I see the program doing for this city's youth, I can never fully put into words. I was able to achieve things - like go to college - that I would probably never have been able to without this sport.

"I believe in Soccer In The Streets and I've seen what it can do for the next generation."

The partnership with the Silverbacks creates the opportunity for 10 participants to work every Silverbacks game while hundreds are offered the chance to experience professional soccer in a live environment.

The Silverbacks are on the road for Match Days 5 and 6, facing the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (May 2, 7:30 p.m., ESPN3) and Minnesota United (May 9, 8 p.m., ESPN3), respectively, before returning to Atlanta Silverbacks Park on May 16 to host the Jacksonville Armada.




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Atlanta Silverbacks in Action
Atlanta Silverbacks in Action
   



North American Soccer League Stories from May 1, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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