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IN MEMORY: Monsignor Louis F. Meyer
Cardinal Carberry, Monsignor Louis Meyer and Pélé (photo: compliments of St. Louis Review) The Roadies would like to express deepest sympathy to the family of Monsignor Louis F. Meyer. His lifelong devotion to the sport of soccer in St. Louis and his committment to those in need in the community is an inspiration to us all. Monsignor Meyer's involvement with the PPCS Sports for Social Change Program has helped to expand our support base for the Roadies over the years. May the angels lead him home!
Two years ago Peter & Paul Community Services formed the St. Louis Roadies street soccer team and competed in the annual Street Soccer USA Cup in Washington D.C.
What is street soccer? Street soccer is played by men and women who are homeless.
In tournament and league competition, four-on-four teams play 14-minute games on an enclosed surface about the size of a tennis court. Games are exciting, fast paced, often high scoring and, most of all, fun.
The experience of being part of a team and the renewed sense of self-esteem that comes from belonging to something larger than oneself empowers participants to change their lives for the better.
Street Soccer USA organizers estimate one-third of those who play the sport leave homelessness behind for good. Two summers ago the St. Louis Roadies were awarded the Fair Play Award for having captured the spirit of the D.C. tournament.
The team also met with Senator Bond prior to the competition to discuss housing issues facing those who are chronically homeless in St. Louis.
Our goalie, Oscar Grandberry, was selected for the USA national team. He traveled to Melbourne, Australia to compete against players from over 50 countries in the Homeless World Cup in 2008. You can imagine how excited we were for him.
Since that time, several Roadie players have moved into their own apartments, found jobs, attended financial planning classes, received mental health counseling, and resolved legal matters. One player recently graduated from college and is now taking culinary classes.
This years Street Soccer USA Cup in Washington D.C. takes place July 29 - August 2. Seven players and two coaches will make the trip. We estimate expenses at $4,950 or roughly $550 per participant. It is our hope that you will become an official St. Louis Roadies sponsor by making a financial donation to get the team to Washington D.C.
For more information on the St. Louis Roadies or to learn more about the work of Peter & Paul Community Services in St. Louis please call me at 314-588-7111 ext. 206 or visit us on the web at www.ppcsinc.org.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!!
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Roadie Captain Doug C |
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© 2004 Peter & Paul Community Services,
Inc. |
