A Parent's Perspective: Jenny Geib

What we do at Soccer in the Streets is more than just soccer; we work just as hard to make connections between people and build community. Recently, I had a chat with Jenny Geib, a mom from StationSoccer West End, about her experience.

"One of the Biggest reasons I have enjoyed my kid's time at Soccer in the Streets is the community. I have basically only known the other parents for 8 or 9 months, but I think we might have been more excited than the kids to see each other again when practices restarted." Jenny's enthusiasm for the community at West End was very gratifying to hear; so much of what it takes to build community is about setting up opportunities for people to meet and create relationships. It can't be forced. 

Before moving to Atlanta, the Geib family lived in Capetown, South Africa, for many years. Once the decision was made to return to the States and move to Atlanta specifically, Jenny spent a lot of time researching the city and what family life might be like here.

"Looking into Soccer in the Streets, I found that the whole ethos resonated with me; I felt like I immediately 'got it.' My kids like sports, but it isn't their driving force. I wanted a holistic experience that included sport as a part of youth development. In Capetown, they played with a soccer organization that used revenue from our area to fund soccer in other areas; however, Soccer in the Streets brings people together, people who might not otherwise spend time together "

Ms. Geib also mentioned that the team-centric play at SITS has been very impactful for her son: " On his U10 team, there was a big focus on the group. Yes, compete, yes, win, but getting there together was important. This season, his new team has a lot of new players, and there is a new opportunity for him to contribute in a new way and be a leader."

"My daughter wasn't immediately sure she wanted to play, but she wound up being one of the younger players on her team which was exciting for her to get to meet older girls. She loved playing for Coach Grace, and this last season, she learned so much about strategy and team play from Coach Alex" 

The way we ended the conversation was perfect; Jenny mentioned that the diversity of ethnicity and nationality at Soccer in the Streets is very meaningful to her as a parent of two young children who have only known South Africa. "Coming from Capetown, my kids have been teased for having "funny" accents. But at SITS they have a South African teammate, a coach from Ivory Coast, and opponents from many other places. For me that diversity mirrors real life much more than other opportunities out there.