To create a pathway for students identified as English learners (EL students) to work toward joining school sports teams, the South San Francisco Education Foundation funded the formation of a South San Francisco High School team to join the Andy Hodzic Soccer League. This co-ed league is specifically for EL students, that already includes six other high school teams in San Mateo County. This year, South San Francisco FC team members were all EL students from South San Francisco High School. Attending school in a new country while learning the language is an accomplishment in and of itself, and to add to the challenge, EL students often don’t have access to the fun parts of school that encourage attendance, motivate accomplishment, and build community. For example, EL students may not initially have the grades or the experience to play on the high school sports teams, blocking them from all the benefits school sports offer.
Andy Hodzic Soccer League was incredibly successful, winning the league championship in their first season! Over 20 students participated and are looking forward to playing again for two seasons next year. Go Team!
You can read more about how the Andy Hodzic Soccer League has historically benefitted students in this San Mateo Daily Journal article.