Seacoast United helps immigrants, refugees get acclimated

This wonderful program helps immigrants and refugees through their soccer club and dance classes. We need programs like this all over the country. DP

By Ken Stejbach

seacoastonline.com: The Seacoast United Soccer Club brings the soccer to the B.R.I.N.G.I.T. program.

Seacoast United's U-18 and U-16 boys academy teams played host to players from the B.R.I.N.G.I.T. program on its snow-cleared fields at its outdoor facility Monday night. It's part of the SUSC's community outreach program.

The B.R.I.N.G.I.T. program, short for "Bringing Refugees, Immigrants and Neighbors Gently Into Tomorrow," is a Manchester-based program designed to help guide immigrants and refugees into the Manchester school system. There are 60 different countries involved in the program with at least 80 different language dialects.

It's a collaboration between the Manchester School District, Boys and Girls Clubs of Manchester, Southern New Hampshire Services and the Seacoast United Soccer Club. While its chief goal is high school graduation, the program also aspires to lessen discipline problems and help the immigrants and refugees in Manchester better adjust to their surroundings, mentally, physically and emotionally.

Brendan McCafferty and Hector Urrea, the program's co-directors, began organizing it about 15 months ago. Seacoast United's part in the program was made possible through a donation by Liberty Mutual. Seacoast United supplies cleats, jerseys and other soccer equipment and its playing fields.

The big idea behind it all, noted McCafferty, is to "better connect our immigrants, our students and families to the city schools and homes, and provide positive role models."

Besides the soccer aspect of the program, dance is scheduled for the girls. There are 85 kids in grades 4-12 involved in the program and there are 40 adults who are taking English language learning classes in the Manchester school system.

"Seacoast United's involvement with the B.R.I.N.G.I.T. program is a chance for our club players, parents and staff to become aware of what it means to help our community on a personal level," said Matt Glode, Seacoast United's outreach director. "Living in the Seacoast, our players are far removed from many social issues that are prevalent in larger cities. Only thanks to Liberty Mutual's support of our Community Outreach Programs is our involvement in the program even possible."

The program, noted Glode, accomplishes a great deal. "Two nights a week they are able to get off the streets, be with friends in a healthy and positive environment and just play. Both McCafferty and Urrea have been successful in relating the program to academic success.