Belief is defined by the Oxford dictionary as feeling sure that someone is capable of doing something. Many times in sports, we need to surround ourselves with people who believe in us. Whether it be a coach, a family member, a close friend, or a teammate, we need people who can give us the gift of believing we can be more than we are and do more than we currently can. This gift has an impact far beyond the field of play.

Hoboken United, in partnership with the New York Red Bulls, is working to give this gift of belief to all soccer players through their aptly named Believe Program, and the results have been nothing short of incredible.

Hoboken United Believes

Hoboken United is a “volunteer, parent-led organization with a long-term commitment to ensuring quality travel soccer for the children of Hoboken, New Jersey.” As part of this mission, the organization is working to bring the love of the game to Hoboken residents of all abilities. They have teamed up with the New York Red Bulls to become a community partner.

This program enables young athletes with disabilities to develop their physical fitness, technical skills, and self-esteem, all while playing soccer. Qualified Red Bulls youth coaches instruct sessions to help athletes with on-the-field skill development.

“So when we first started this program for Red Bull, the first-ever program was here in Hoboken, so it’s great to see Hoboken United’s support of this program,” said David Jervis, Sr. Director Youth Programs & Academy Business Operations for the Red Bulls.

Since the club’s inaugural season in 2023, volunteers, parents, and coaches have worked to create a community atmosphere within and around the organization.

“It’s very family-oriented; the families all know each other. It’s like a small town or small village,” says Hakan Cenk, coach for Hoboken United. “My advice for anyone who wants to get started is don’t hesitate. It’s a great club, great field, beautiful families, and beautiful people… If you’re looking for fun, a challenge, and inspiration, it’s the best place to be.”

Growth

Looking to the future, the club is looking to expand its programming to reach as many young athletes in the area as possible. Over the past year, the Believe Program has nearly doubled.

“From a board side, it has been important to us to improve on the program every year. We gave out new uniforms this year, and when it ended in the fall, the consistent question from people was ‘when are we going to start up again?'” David Steinfeld, President of the Board, told Greater Than The Game.

Impact

For the athletes in the Believe Program, the impact lies not in the physical skills they develop on the pitch or the games they play, but in the community of believers they become a part of along the way.

“I like when all my friends are together like family, and we are united,” one athlete told Greater Than The Game.

People can thrive when they know they have a support system behind them. If you are looking for a place where your child can cultivate those relationships, Hoboken United is a great place to start.

If you would like more information on the club and the Believe Program, click here or email hello@hobokenunited.com.

That’s it for this post. If you like what you read, you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook using the buttons above. If you would like to help us create more inspiring content, please donate to Greater Than The Game using the button at the bottom of the site. Your tax-deductible donation will go toward creating more inspiring and uplifting content.