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this further deepens the cultural rift.

However, this situation is ripe for change. As American soccer is beginning to catch on, the awareness of the need for the urban ethnic player is increasing. Not only the US Soccer Federation but also state associations have observed the need to draw in urban soccer players in a way that reaffirms and creates dignity.

Using sports for youth development is a new focus in the academic community. Some organizations have used sports in this manner for quite a while, however in the last five years a great deal of attention has been focused on it with major universities creating programs and departments to study and teach this discipline. These universities include Harvard, Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania.

We who are on the front lines of ministering to and developing youth can take advantage of the crest of interest and knowledge in terms of program efficiency, best practices, and also increased funding opportunities.

These six points are only a brief depiction of the power of using soccer for social change. As these ideas intersect, we see an unique alignment of organizations, institutions and communities; we must take advantage of these opportunities.

The time for urban soccer in the United States is now and if we do not capture this moment, we may lose an opportunity to reach and develop a whole generation of ethnic youth as well as the communities they are represented in.

Learn more about this author, Mike Herman.
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