“The New Guy”: Poet-Athlete Uel On Making His Our Words Our City Debut
Uel, who caught the poetry bug last year, wil perform at DC SCORES' premier poetry showcase on May 20.
Transforming communities through the power of poet-athletes.
DC SCORES
Washington, D.C.
DC SCORES empowers youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world.
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Give to DC SCORES
Our goal is to reach every Title 1 elementary and middle school in the District by 2030. Build Poet-Athlete City with us!
What We Do
- Soccer
- Poetry
- Service Learning
Soccer
DC SCORES creates neighborhood soccer teams that become lifelong communities. By coming together for practices, gamedays, and tournaments across the school year, poet-athletes forge meaningful relationships with friends and coaches and build a support network that stays with them long after they graduate from the program.
Poetry
During our fall season, poet-athletes learn how to write creatively and perform their poetry as a team. By raising their voices on the issues they care about most, poet-athletes improve their social and emotional health, learn to express themselves creatively, and become champions for their neighborhoods and wider communities.
Service Learning
In the spring, poet-athletes take on an issue they explored in their poetry and apply their soccer teamwork skills to a community service project. By working together on something that matters to them, poet-athletes form deep connections to their neighborhoods and become young leaders for positive change in their city.
Who We Are
We envision a D.C. where every child experiences the joys of childhood and is empowered to grow into a physically and emotionally healthy adult — on and off the playing field.
3000
+
Poet-Athletes
Served Each Year
60
+
Schools
30
Years of Impact
Student Voices
“DC SCORES taught me to build connections with the community around me. It’s incredible what DC SCORES did for me.”
- Axel, DC SCORES Alumnus
“When you worked hard to be on that stage, grown-ups think it’s more worthwhile, and they think more.”
- Veronica, DC SCORES Poet-Athlete
“At DC SCORES you have to have a lot of love and respect. You have to pick up your teammates. You have to help them.”
- Kollyn, DC SCORES Poet-Athlete
Latest Stories & Events
Leckie Lions Begin Design FC Service Learning Project
Poet-athletes will design a jersey that celebrates their school and neighborhood culture.
DC SCORES Honored at Washington Spirit Home Opener
DC SCORES poet-athletes, coaches, and staff helped kick off the Spirit's season at home!
“Get Right Back Up”: Celebrating Strong Girls at DC SCORES
A poet-athlete and coach reflect on how DC SCORES is helping girls process grief, find new passions, and celebrate the[...]
“Collective Action Works”: Tori Huster on Union Power, DC SCORES, and Why the Future Is Bright for the Next Generation
The 2025 Poet-Athlete Award winner discusses her work with the NWSLPA, her time at the Washington Spirit, and why she[...]
How The USWNT Helped Build the Poet-Athlete Movement
Members of the team have served as SCORES spokespeople, organization ambassadors, and board members.
Coach Kickoff Marks Beginning of DC SCORES Spring Season
Coach Kickoff was an opportunity to share important program information and build community resilience.
DC SCORES Poet-Athletes Enhance Community Through Preseason Programming
More than 20 schools participated in an extra two weeks of programming focused on community building.
DC SCORES Through Three Decades of Black History in the District
Exploring the intersection of DC SCORES and Black history in D.C.
DC SCORES to Present 2025 Poet-Athlete Award to Tori Huster, Deputy Executive Director of the NWSLPA and Former Washington Spirit Player
Huster is being recognized for her leadership of the National Women's Soccer League Players Association and her contributions to DC[...]
DC SCORES, the Washington Spirit, and Clark Foundation Launch Middle School Girls’ Soccer League Initiative
The initiative includes funding for DC SCORES' middle school soccer leagues, with a particular focus on girls' participation.
Screaming Eagles Cap Year of Giving With Holiday Party and Toy Giveaway
The party was the culmination of a year in which the Screaming Eagles raised almost $20,000 for DC SCORES.
In the News
Focused On The Goal: 30 Years of DC SCORES History
Magic Johnson Joins Washington Spirit Investor Group, Attends DC SCORES Practice
Magic Johnson Introduced to Washington Spirit Community at DC SCORES Training Session