Fútbol and Poetry Combine to Inspire Students Ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Miami, FL – As the anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a unique program is blossoming in schools across the United States, blending the passion of soccer with the art of poetry. Miami SCORES, a non-profit organization, is at the forefront of this initiative, empowering students to express themselves creatively through both sport, and verse. The program, operating in 13 cities, is the largest of its kind in North America, combining the power of soccer with education.
A New Kind of Goal: The “Gorgeous Game” Poetry Contest
The initiative gained further momentum with a partnership between America SCORES and Telemundo, launching the “Beautiful Game” poetry contest. This competition, designed to celebrate the upcoming World Cup, challenges young students to write about their love for the sport. The contest officially kicks off on Monday, March 16th in Miami, and will expand to include Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area.
From the Pitch to the Page: Keisy Pérez’s Story
For fourth-grader Keisy Pérez, a student at Kelsey Pharr Elementary School in Miami, the program has been transformative. “When I first joined, I was just playing soccer and I liked it,” Pérez shared. “But when we started poetry… I loved it. I really loved the poetry.” Her experience exemplifies the program’s core mission: to provide students with a space to explore their emotions and find their voice through creative expression.
More Than Just a Game: Developing Life Skills
Miami SCORES isn’t simply about soccer and poetry; it’s about fostering essential life skills. Rob Uvanovic, Executive Director of Miami SCORES, explained, “The kids are learning important things in soccer, like teamwork, leadership, and commitment. And on the poetry side, it’s about giving them the space to express their emotions, their poetry, their words.” The program specifically targets schools with students from low-income backgrounds, providing opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.
A 30-Year Legacy Rooted in the 1994 World Cup
The roots of Miami SCORES stretch back to the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Founded 30 years ago in the wake of that tournament, the organization has consistently worked to support students in developing their creativity through sports and poetry. The program’s longevity speaks to its enduring impact and the continued need for accessible arts and athletic programs in underserved communities.
Telemundo’s Role in Amplifying Student Voices
Telemundo’s involvement adds a significant platform for these young poets. The “Beautiful Game” contest will see two winners selected in each participating city – one boy and one girl – who will be featured on Telemundo broadcasts. These city winners will then compete for national recognition. The winners will be announced between April 15th and April 22nd.
The Power of Passion: Fútbol as a Unifying Force
The enthusiasm for the program is palpable. Pérez expressed her joy, stating, “I am highly happy because I love soccer. When they score a goal, I love it… It’s about working with others, it’s about being kind.” Uvanovic echoed this sentiment, adding, “For me, soccer is life, it’s passion, it’s love.” This shared passion is the driving force behind the program’s success, creating a positive and engaging environment for students to thrive.
Kelsey Pharr Elementary School: A Hub for Creativity
Kelsey L. Pharr Elementary School, located in Miami, serves approximately 311 students in grades Pre-K through 5th. The school’s student-teacher ratio is 17.3:1, with 18 full-time equivalent teachers. A significant portion of the student body – 68.5% – qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, highlighting the program’s importance in supporting students from low-income families. Trueschools.com provides further details on the school’s demographics and statistics.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 World Cup and Beyond
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the timing of this initiative is particularly significant. The “Beautiful Game” contest aims to harness the excitement surrounding the tournament to inspire a new generation of poets and soccer enthusiasts. The program’s success demonstrates the power of combining sports and the arts to create meaningful opportunities for students. The next step is the announcement of the city winners between April 15th and 22nd, setting the stage for the national competition.
Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on the “Beautiful Game” poetry contest and the continued impact of Miami SCORES as they prepare to inspire young minds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
