The Starfinder Foundation enhances the personal growth of underserved youth through soccer and learning experiences that engage, inspire, and motivate.

   Our South Africa delegates

   75: Average attendance per night 

   37: Participation hours per child

"[Starfinder] gives them a chance to play without the pressure and just have fun while learning with friends."  -Ramon Gallegas, parent 

Go, Girls, Go!
by Stephen Baumann, President

Is participation in sports and physical activity important for Philadelphia girls? You bet it is!  Developing habits of physical activity in elementary, middle, and high school girls ensures immediate health benefits and, more importantly, yields benefits that can be realized over a lifetime.  Starfinder has been working with girls since our earliest soccer camps. But, after looking closely at our data, we have to do more.  Over the next year, Starfinder will be designing and testing new programming to address the barriers that prevent urban girls from participating in sports.  To learn more click here. 

Here's a great video promoting girls' particpation in sports.

Program Updates

Starfinder to Send Two Youth to South Africa

This summer Starfinder participants Nury Ortiz and Mustapha Alpha will have the extraordinary opportunity to travel to South Africa to represent the United States at the Football for Hope Festival 2010. This international youth tournament will take place in the township of Alexandra in Johannesburg during the final weeks of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.  To read about Starfinder's delegates click here.

Jammin' at the Chester Jamboree

Last fall Starfinder partnered with the Chester Upland School District (CUSD) to deliver an eight-week  after school program at three schools (Stetser, Toby Farms and Main Street schools). Twice a week at each site 20-25 fourth, fifth and sixth graders participated in soccer drills and skill combined with a variety of fun educational and team-building activities.  The program culminated on December 16, 2009 with a Jamboree at Starfinder.  To read more about this program click here.

You Are What You Eat

This winter the Future Leaders I, Future Leaders II and Junior Leaders are spending Monday’s classroom time learning about their bodies and their health in a nutrition education class.  Topics covered so far include the digestive system and process, the primary food groups, the role of vitamins and minerals and the foods in which to find them.  To read more click here.

Family Play Day 

On Monday, February 22^nd and Thursday, March 4^th it was “bring your families to play” day at Starfinder!  The Family Play Day gave adult family members a chance to learn about Starfinder’s programs first hand.  The family members participated in both the on-field training and classroom activities.  Click here to read more.

Copa MondiALE 

Come celebrate the World Cup with Starfinder and TotalBRU Marketing in the Copa MondiALE!  This event series combines soccer watching, beer drinking, and socializing as it follows the games leading up to and including the World Cup – all to benefit Starfinder.  To learn more about these events click here.

Recent Program Grants

Starfinder would like to thank the Fund For Children, the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation and the Century Council for the recent support of our programs.  Click here to read about these grants. 

Starfinder Upgrades!!

Over the past month Starfinder has slowly but surely been making improvements to the interior of our facility.  In addition, we made some technological improvements, which will benefit all of Starfinders' youth.  To learn more about these upgrades click here.