GRASSP Origin and Ongoing Impact
GRASSP started with 4 schools in 2010 and has since impacted thousands of Salem-Keizer students with soccer programming at no cost to families. GRASSP has seen programs in more than 27 schools in the Salem-Keizer area since it’s origin. With affordable soccer programming and 10 core values, GRASSP serves as a vehicle to help students improve their connection to school and better grasp their education. Together, our GRASSP partners provide students with weekly soccer training sessions, valuable life lessons, and memorable gameplay.
At-risk youth face a variety of challenges associated with the neighborhoods and the communities they call home. The weight of these challenges impacts a student’s ability to be connected to school. Whether it’s school attendance, respect to others, or engagement in the classroom, GRASSP exists as a soccer pathway to help students better grasp their education. Soccer brings team structure and offers students a chance to contribute towards something the school is passionate about. Students learn to channel their motivation, interest, and love for soccer in other aspects of their life and improve their grasp on education.
What does it feel like to play in the GRASSP tournaments? Student answers:
“I feel like I belong.”
“It’s nice because we get to go against a lot of people. The bigger the field, the faster we can run.”
“Scary, but when you’re into it, it’s very fun!”
“It feels really good. I like playing against other schools.”
“It makes me happy because we were the winning team for the school.”
“I feel like a star. I play my best, no matter if I get hurt or not. I want to help my team make goals and pass the ball well.”
GRASSP Student Interviews
More than 60 students participated in our on-site interviews, answering whether or not they agree with statements in regards to their GRASSP experience. Of these students, we found:
- 100% of students agree they feel more physically active and healthy when participating in GRASSP
- 100% of students agree they look forward to coming to school on their GRASSP training day
- 100% of students agree they wish to continue playing soccer as they age
- 100% of students agree they would recommend GRASSP to the younger students in their school
- 86% of students agree that GRASSP has helped their connection to school
Schools Value GRASSP
Schools see GRASSP as a valuable program that strengthens students’ connection to education. Students often say they love being teammates with classmates from other grades, which makes the experience feel unique and exciting. GRASSP
gives students a space to train, play, and build friendships across the school community.
Challenges Students Face
Many GRASSP students face real challenges in their homes and neighborhoods, including violence, drugs, poverty, lack of role models, and unsafe environments. These barriers make it harder to stay engaged in school.
GRASSP provides a safe, structured pathway where students experience regular physical activity, teamwork, and lessons built on 10 Core Values. Through soccer and mentorship, students develop responsibility, strengthen relationships with school staff, and gain support to overcome adversity.
Parent Impact
In the 2024 GRASSP Parent/Guardian Survey:
- 95% of parents listed multiple reasons for enrolling their child.
- 82% said GRASSP helps their child stay active and healthy.
- 77% saw stronger connections with classmates, teachers, and school.
- 65% said it motivated their child to attend and engage with school.
- 62% said their child learned a new sport.
How has GRASSP helped you be more connected to school? Student answers:
“GRASSP has helped me talk more in class, and get out of my comfort zone.”
“I have the same responsibilities as other students in my class, but I feel like a leader.”
“Honestly, I only come to school for soccer.”
“Made me make new friends and not be shy. I can work with people from different grades.”
“Improved communication.”
“Being with my friends and learning new people.”
“I learn better because I get to go to soccer practice.”
“Since I’m focusing on soccer, it helps me focus in school, too.”
“Our coach has been teaching us how to be a good leader in school, and having examples in soccer.”
“I used to talk back to the teacher. Now, I listen and do the work.”
“I’ve been working hard on school so I can play more soccer.”
“GRASSP has helped me focus on things, like paying attention to things.”
“A better influence on my friends. I get to spend time with my friends when I work hard in school.”
“It’s helped me be more focused.”
“I get to learn more about soccer and it helps me with focusing on school work.”
“Soccer helps me with my emotions and gives me something fun to work on.”
“When I’m in class, GRASSP helps me focus when I’m upset. If I get upset, I think about my place and role with soccer for the team, and it motivates me.”
“GRASSP helped me learn how to better interact with people.”
Why do you like soccer? Student answers:
“I like soccer because my dad plays, my brother plays, and soccer is a family thing.”
“You can learn tricks. I come from a family that loves soccer.”
“I like soccer because it helps me be calm and focused on something I like.”
“Soccer is fun. Soccer is the sport I wanted to play.”
“I like soccer a lot. Soccer is my first sport ever.”
“I get to have fun, get to hang out with my friends, and I have teammates.”
“There’s lots of positions and you get to do teamwork. You can win and be happy, and lose and be happy.”
“When I practice, it makes me feel happy and I enjoy the gameplay.”
“We can learn more about sports, and we can find new friends.”
“I like soccer because it’s stress relieving and a really fun sport.”
“Because I used to watch a lot of soccer, then I started playing it a lot. First I was defender, and I’m a goalie.”
“My family plays and I like playing soccer with my cousins.”
“Because one day I want to be an elite player.”
