NEWARK, N.J. – After a long, rainy week, the Ironbound came alive on Saturday as hundreds of Newark Public Schools students and their families gathered under bright sunny skies and the music of countless popstars including Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Justin Timberlake.

This was the scene of the annual Soccer for Success Jamboree, where more than 700 Newark Public Schools student-athletes in grades 3 through 8 played on their schools’ team in a day-long tournament.

The event is the culmination of the year-long Soccer for Success Program, an initiative made possible through a partnership between the Newark Public Schools’ Office of Extended Learning Time and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The program provides opportunities throughout the school year for students to learn the game of soccer, while also learning valuable skills through the social-emotional curriculum. 

“Everyone loves how the annual Jamboree brings together student-athletes and families from throughout the City of Newark,” said Dr. Julianne Bello, Director of the Office of Extended Learning Time. “It is a wonderful occasion when we celebrate all of our students and the successes they achieve on the soccer field and the classroom.”

“The energy at Ironbound Stadium was incredible, and seeing so many of our students active, engaged, and having fun with their families was truly inspiring,” said Superintendent León. “The Soccer for Success Jamboree is a shining example of what happens when strong partnerships, like the one we have with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, bring real opportunities to our young people.”

“Soccer for Success is about so much more than learning the game. It’s about developing confidence, building teamwork, and reinforcing the idea that perseverance on the field leads to success in the classroom, said Hasani K. Council, President of the Board of Education. “I am so proud of the more than 700 students who came out to play, compete, and support one another. Events like the Jamboree show what’s possible when we invest in the whole child.”

The Soccer For Success Jamboree Champions were:

Grades 7 and 8

• Platinum (Competitive) Division Champions: Lafayette Street School
• Silver (Beginner) Division Champions: Louise A. Spencer School

Grades 5 and 6

• Platinum Division Champions: Mount Vernon School
• Gold Division Champions: Elliott Street Elementary School
• Silver Division Champions: Dr. William H. Horton School

Grades 3 and 4*

• Gold Division Champions: Peshine Avenue Elementary School

*Grades 3 and 4 competed in only one division.