On June 3, the JHS 223 COMPASS Afterschool Program hosted its end-of-year Soccer for Success Jamboree, bringing together students from JHS 223, Ditmas Middle School, and PS 238 for an afternoon of fun, teamwork, and celebration. Participants enjoyed soccer vocabulary bingo, skills drills, scrimmages, and an exciting awards ceremony and raffle featuring prizes such as soccer jerseys and golden soccer balls.
Led by Coach Kevin Barbecho, the program helped students strengthen not only their soccer skills, but also their confidence, teamwork, and social-emotional development throughout the year.
The event was made even more special by the presence of several CIS Board members, who joined students and staff for the festivities. While they came to witness our afterschool programming in action, they left with a deeper understanding of what makes CIS unique.
Board members and staff experienced firsthand the care and intentionality that CIS staff bring to every interaction. As one reflection after the event noted, “We walked in as guests and left feeling like we belonged—noticed, valued, and taken care of.”
That feeling is at the heart of CIS’s work. Every day, our staff create spaces where young people know they matter, helping them build the confidence, connections, and skills they need to thrive. The Soccer for Success Jamboree was a joyful reminder that when students feel supported and connected, they can achieve remarkable things—on and off the field.
