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Recent Stories
Poet-Athletes Get a Kick Out of Soccer
In celebration of National Youth Soccer Month, we asked our Poet-Athletes, coaches, and parents what soccer and SCORES means to them and their communities.
Joyce Becerra
Sep 22
A World Cup Generation of Poet-Athletes
SCORES Poet-Athletes experienced the FIFA World Cup in their own ways — some on the pitch as player escorts, others at youth festivals, and some by watching matches in their communities, reflecting on it all through poetry.
Joyce Becerra
Jul 17
SCORES Alum Returns to Coach at School Where He First Became a Poet-Athlete
“Once I was introduced to SCORES, I fell in love with how it helps students grow not only as individuals but as part of a team. With soccer you have exercise, with poetry you have literacy and with service learning you understand how to help your community.”
Brittney Rzucidlo
Jul 8
Becoming SCORES: How A Young Founder and Her Friends Created the Poet-Athlete Movement
Learn how SCORES was born from one young teacher’s vision—and how that same spirit still thrives in Cleveland today.
Cleveland SCORES
Nov 12, 2025
Students Show Creativity Through Service Projects
SCORES students turned their creativity into community action, leading service projects that beautified neighborhoods and built teamwork skills in the process.
Cleveland SCORES
Jun 3, 2024
Poet-Athletes Kick Off Spring with Jamboree & BLAST
Cleveland’s fields came alive again this spring as SCORES Poet-Athletes kicked off a season of competition, sportsmanship, and school pride.
Cleveland SCORES
May 24, 2024
SCORES Makes Guest Appearance on WKYC’s “We the People”
Executive Director Alison Black and Poet-Athlete Layla joined Leon Bibb on WKYC’s We The People to share how SCORES inspires creativity, confidence, and community.
Cleveland SCORES
May 12, 2024
Young Poet-Athletes Take Center Stage at POETRY SLAM!
A night of powerful performances and community celebration, our annual Poetry SLAM! reminded everyone how young voices can move hearts and inspire change.
Cleveland SCORES
Nov 20, 2023
Alison Black Named New Executive Director
With a decade of dedication to Cleveland’s youth, Alison Black steps into her new leadership role, continuing the mission to help students write, play, and achieve.
Cleveland SCORES
Feb 2, 2022
From Cleveland to Morocco: What Soccer Taught Me About Community
This spring, I traveled to Morocco for 10 days through a professional exchange opportunity. I went to learn from Ahmed Amrani, a former international fellow who spent three months with Cleveland SCORES in 2025, and to support the community work he is building back home. I expected to learn about his organization. I didn't expect the trip to change how I see my own.
Sep 11
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