SCORES Energized by a Multi-Faceted Partnership with the San Jose Quakes

America SCORES board members and staff; Xitlaly Martinez and her mother, Maria; and San Jose Earthquakes players Ousseni Bouda and Jeremy Ebobisse

America SCORES Bay Area is thriving in 2023, fueled in part by a multi-faceted partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes. Both organizations are driven by a shared commitment to promote and accelerate access to the beautiful game of soccer and foster a sense of identity and belonging within the broader soccer community.

The partnership between SCORES and the Quakes began in early 2020 when SCORES launched a new program in San Jose, bringing SCORES into the South Bay, propelled by a $10,000 contribution from the Quakes and critical support from lead agency Coral of Catholic Charities.

The collaboration accelerated this year through a three-pronged engagement. In June, the Quakes stepped up into a sponsorship role for SCORES' annual charitable soccer tournament, the Corporate Cup, sending a team that included the Quakes Manager of Community Relations Audie Amirkiai, who additionally oversees the Quakes charitable arm, the Quakes Foundation.

In July, the Quakes celebrated several nonprofits, including SCORES, at a dramatic game between the Quakes and the Seattle Sounders. Among the highlights: 23 SCORES students from Bret Harte Elementary School in San Francisco walked onto the field with Quakes players to wave to the crowds. The Quakes and Quakes sponsor PayPal arranged for the students and their families to be bussed from their school to the game, providing all with free tickets, food vouchers, and a thrilling experience. SCORES Executive Director Colin Schmidt was among the nonprofit representatives honored on the field at halftime, and SCORES staff engaged with the soccer fan community through a community booth.

The following night, SCORES and five other nonprofits - were honored at Wine and Dine, the fundraising gala for the team's charitable arm, the Quakes Foundation. The end of the evening featured a galvanizing Fund-the-Future paddle raise, with $25,000 raised to help SCORES poet-athletes experience the power of confident expression both on and off the fields. SCORES alum, Xitlaly Martinez gave a powerful speech and presented the poem she performed as a SCORES student at the National Poetry Slam at the famed Apollo Theater in New York City.

“Our partnership strengthened because the Earthquakes had the right people in position who understood the mission alignment and value of working with America SCORES,” said Angela Bailey, SCORES Director of Corporate and Community Engagement. “The Quakes’ involvement goes beyond financial support. They have actively participated in various aspects of SCORES programs, including volunteering, sending their players to events to inspire the kids, and providing access to games through their Tickets for Kids program.”

“It’s a win-win partnership for both organizations,” explains SCORES Executive Director Colin Schmidt. “We support each other's missions and benefit from the collaboration. The Quakes’ involvement includes support in various forms, creating a more robust and meaningful partnership. Simultaneously, our partnership increases a greater awareness of soccer in the Bay Area, providing greater access to the sport, fostering healthier and more active communities.”

“By supporting their local team, kids are inspired to pursue their passion for soccer and identity with and find role models among the Earthquakes players, all of which contribute to a stronger, more interconnected community,” adds Bailey.

Quakes Community Relations Manager Audie Amirkiai has joined the SCORES board of directors. “I’m truly excited to see the communities we can bring together and the lives we can help shape throughout the Bay area. I grew up playing soccer and going to games, and I remember being that little kid waiting to high-five a player from the stands. I love giving SCORES kids access to games and can’t wait to collaborate with the other SCORES board members. It feels like a full-circle moment. “