Soccer & Literacy

Using the power of sport to strengthen communities and equip children with the foundational literacy, confidence, and interpersonal skills needed for school success.

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Program Goals

Literacy

Strengthening reading, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing through evidence-based instruction.

Movement

Using soccer to keep students active, engaged, and excited to learn.

Confidence

Helping students grow as teammates, leaders, and learners through positive relationships and mentorship.

Current Impact

565+ Students Weekly
28 School & Community Partners
50/50 Literacy + Soccer

Where Reading Meets the Game

We collaborate with school partners to design in-school and after-school programs tailored to student needs. Half of our time together is spent on evidence-based literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, and the other half is spent on soccer.

Sometimes, students work on foundational reading skills and soccer skills at the same time through hands-on and feet-on learning.

Students participating in Soccer and Literacy programming

Program Tracks

Early Readers: PreK–2

A 30–45 minute program combining structured literacy practices with interactive read-alouds using soccer-based and mindfulness-based texts. Students build phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, self-regulation, and discussion skills.

Grades 3–8

A 90-minute program using soccer-based chapter books that emphasize teamwork, leadership, social-emotional learning, and critical thinking. Students strengthen reading and writing fluency, vocabulary, spelling, morphology, and comprehension.

See the Program in Action

Student reading during program
Reading
Students playing soccer
Soccer
Student learning with F3 staff
Mentorship

What Students Build

Foundational Literacy Skills
Confidence & Self-Regulation
Teamwork & Leadership
Vocabulary & Comprehension
Movement & Healthy Habits
Belonging & Joy

What Our Community Says

“The F3 soccer program has been one of the best programs we have ever had at Siebert. The staff are professional, amazing with the kids, and communicate regularly with staff. Students love participating and look forward to it every week. I would recommend this program 1000 times over again.”

School Staff Member CCS Staff Member

“Our students were beyond excited when it was their turn to do the program on Thursday mornings. Soccer is a huge part of their lives, especially culturally for many, and having people take the time to invest in them, teach them some skills, and read to them means so much.”

CCS Teacher Teacher Testimonial

“Students who participate in F3 programming read about the sport they love...aloud...together...in a supportive environment. These students also learn to build community and break down cultural barriers through teamwork.”

School Staff Member CCS Staff Member

School Partners

Ohio Avenue
Watkins Elementary
Cranbrook Elementary
Columbus Global Academy
Holt Crossing Intermediate
Hamilton STEM Academy
Siebert Elementary
Northtowne Elementary
Cassady Elementary
Livingston Elementary
Columbus Early Learning Centers
5 locations
Eakin Elementary
Linden STEM Academy
Burroughs Elementary
Parsons Elementary
YMCA – Stiles Elementary
YMCA – Hilltonia Middle School
Scottwood Elementary
North Linden Elementary
East Columbus
Woodward Park
Hubbard Elementary

Community & Funding Partners

Future Ready Five Columbus Early Learning Centers PNC Grow Up Great
United Way of Central Ohio
Columbus City Schools
Columbus Recreation & Parks
Franklin County
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families

Bring Soccer & Literacy to Your School

Partner with Final Third Foundation to bring evidence-based literacy, movement, mentorship, and joy to your students through Soccer & Literacy.

Invite F3 to Your School