DC SCORES Poet-Athletes Represent the United States in Street Child World Cup 26
10 DC SCORES poet-athletes are realizing a childhood fantasy: representing their national team in a World Cup.
For children around the world, playing in the World Cup is the ultimate dream. In May, a group of DC SCORES poet-athletes will discover just what that feels like when they represent the United States in the 2026 Street Child World Cup.
Hosted by Street Child United, the Street Child World Cup brings together hundreds of young people to campaign for the rights and protection of street-connected children. Youth organizations from across the world applied to participate in the program, a 10-day schedule of activities that leverage soccer, the arts, advocacy, and community.
Supported by partners from around the world and ambassadors, including former professional soccer players David Beckham and Ella Masar, Street Child United has empowered young people to advocate for their communities alongside Premier League clubs, world leaders, and higher education institutions.
30 teams will participate in this year’s program in Mexico City, including DC SCORES poet-athletes and alumni from Cardozo High School, Columbia Heights Education Campus, Roosevelt High School, and Capital City Public Charter School. Representing the USA, they departed on May 5 alongside coaches Ronald Granados and Jennifer Schroeder, and Chief Program Officer Tierra Stewart.
The team’s travel and participation in the program are fully funded at no cost to the boys or their families by DC SCORES and Street Child United.
“I have had the privilege of coaching the team ahead of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the boys are so excited,” said Granados. “For many of these poet-athletes, this will be their first time traveling abroad. The trip will expand their horizons, deepen their passion for sports and the arts, and show them that their voices matter. I can’t wait to see how they will grow thanks to this experience.”
“DC SCORES was a way to connect with my peers from a young age,” said Qazi, a DC SCORES alumnus who will play on the squad. He is excited for the opportunity to represent his nation and city at the tournament. “It’s a way to stand up for your community,” he says. “It’s a way to show others the problems in your community but also what’s good about your community.”
Street Child United campaigns for children to gain legal identities, protection from violence, and an education. The organization’s work, which leverages sports and the arts to support vulnerable young people, aligns closely with that of SCORES, which empowers more than 15,000 to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and make a difference in the world through soccer and poetry. In 2018, DC SCORES poet-athletes participated in the Street Child World Cup in Moscow, representing the USA girls’ team.
“At DC SCORES, we know that soccer and the arts open up a world of possibilities for our young people. Through our partnership with Street Child United, that is literally true!” said Katrina Owens, Executive Director of DC SCORES. “I know our poet-athletes will cherish the opportunity to learn from youth from other countries and cultures, while proudly representing the United States and the District! I know they’ll make the most of this unparalleled opportunity to raise their powerful voices on behalf of young people who so often go unheard.”
Support the young people representing DC SCORES and the USA in the Street Child World Cup! Donate to our spring giving campaign.
