HOW HOMELESS GET A BOOST FROM STREET SOCCER PHILADELPHIA

The players’ days often were spent scavenging — for food, for work, for stability — but under an overcast sky on one corner of the Penn campus, the evening practice strips away labels, troubles and judgments. Street Soccer Philadelphia is one of a handful of programs nationally that aims to introduce the beautiful game to the ostracized and oft-forgetten homeless population.

Founded in 2007, Street Soccer USA says its goal is more support than pure sport. Soccer is a vehicle through which coaches and organizers discuss life skills, goal setting, relationships and team-building.