Greatness Beyond the Game: Investing in the Whole Athlete

Global Goals Soccer Camp 2025 | Salem, Oregon

What does it take to develop a great young soccer player?

At Congregation of Black Naturalists (CBN), we believe it takes more than technical skill. Young athletes also need the knowledge, confidence, and healthy habits that help them care for their bodies, understand their emotions, and make informed decisions.

In summer 2025, CBN hosted the Global Goals Soccer Camp, a free five-week technical soccer development program for youth in Salem, Oregon. Across 15 technical training sessions, 64 young people—primarily from refugee and immigrant communities—came together around the camp theme: Greatness.

But our vision extended beyond the soccer field. CBN intentionally incorporated health, wellness, and life skills into the program because we believe developing the whole youth athlete is essential to long-term growth.

Learning to Play Safely

Athletic development requires young people to understand how to prepare for physical activity, recognize potential injuries, and care for their bodies.

Salem Health educators Erin Clubb and Jared Myer joined the camp to provide age-appropriate health education for middle school and high school age participants. Through interactive instruction and dynamic stretching activities, youth learned about injury prevention, stretching, hydration, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and appropriate safety equipment.

Participants also learned how to recognize injuries, when to seek care, and where to find local health resources. These lessons reinforced an important message: taking care of your body is part of becoming a great athlete.

Supporting Mental Health On and Off the Field

Mental and emotional well-being are important parts of youth development. CBN sought to create opportunities for young people to learn about mental health in an environment where their questions, experiences, and perspectives could be treated with care and respect.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Daniel and Savannah Swaray for leading impactful mental health education sessions for our middle school and high school participants on the soccer field. Youth learned about mental health and common mental health conditions, including trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with discussions tailored to the experiences of many refugee youth. A second session addressed substance-use prevention and adolescent brain development.

Importantly, one of the therapists was also a refugee, bringing a valuable perspective and a potential point of connection for youth whose experiences might otherwise be difficult to explain or discuss. CBN strives to engage educators and coaches who not only bring relevant expertise but also reflect and understand the lived experiences of the communities we serve.

Their thoughtful, age-appropriate presentations helped promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and equip youth with knowledge and resources to support their well-being.

These conversations reinforced our belief that developing a young soccer player means recognizing the person behind the athlete and creating opportunities for growth that extend beyond the game.

A Collaborative Investment in Youth Development

The Global Goals Soccer Camp was funded by the Nike Community Impact Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, Congregation of Black Naturalists, and Willamette Health Council.

Willamette Health Council played a significant role in funding the camp's health and wellness education component, helping CBN provide educational sessions, health and wellness resources, and personalized packets for participants to take home.

CBN is grateful to Salem Health educators Erin Clubb and Jared Myer, Daniel and Savannah Swaray, and the funders and collaborators who helped make these learning opportunities possible.

Their contributions helped make health and wellness an integral part of a free youth soccer development program.

At CBN, greatness is not measured only by what happens during a game. It is also built through knowledge, confidence, healthy habits, and access to opportunities that help young people thrive.

Greatness goes beyond the game. It develops the whole athlete.

Congregation of Black Naturalists (CBN) | Global Goals Soccer Camp 2025