Ahead of the 2026 World Cup Draw, FOX Sports broadcaster and U.S. soccer legend Alexi Lalas returned to Marie Reed Elementary, where his mom, poet Anne Woodworth, helped launch the Poet-Athlete Movement. Today, SCORES serves 15,000 kids across 13 cities, including eight World Cup host cities, combining soccer, poetry, and service.

Erik Gomes joined Boston SCORES at Mather Elementary in 2008 as a quiet third-grader. Today, he's come full circle as a Development Officer, supporting the program that helped him build confidence and leadership skills both on and off the field

Teresa Serna joined Milwaukee SCORES in third grade searching for a team of her own. She found mentors who believed in her potential and opportunities that expanded what felt possible. Today, she's a mental health provider and advocate ensuring the next generation has access to the same life-changing programming.

Nearly 20 years after joining SCORES, Stephan Hamer carries forward lessons of teamwork, leadership, and commitment he learned as a poet-athlete.