DC SCORES covers DC: Hearst Recreation Center, Ward 3

 


As DC SCORES has grown over the past several years -- from 20 schools, to adding middle schools in 2006, to 27 schools, then 42, and now to 60 sites, including several recreation centers that make up the first-ever DC City Soccer League -- we've expanded our reach across Washington, DC. And now we serve 2,200 kids in neighborhoods throughout the entire city -- meaning all eight wards. This fall, we'll bring to you a highlight program in each ward.

In Ward 3, Hearst Recreation Center is the sole DC SCORES site. Because the site is a recreation center and not a school, their programming only includes soccer.

On a typical day of DC SCORES soccer practice, Coach Alex Oshinsky comes down to the field to see his students already having a snack and ready to go. To start off practice, they'll play games such as sharks and minnows, keep away, and steal the bacon.

"You want to keep the kids moving," Alex said. "Instead of running a warm-up where the kids are standing and stretching, I'll run a dynamic warm-up."

He's found that the kids are more than happy to play these games. "They seem to take to the games a little bit more than just standing in a circle," he said.

Practice then continues for about an hour, concluding with a scrimmage. It was evident that the students were more than happy to be there. They love soccer, their team, and their coach! Keep up the good work, Hearst!

WARD 3 PROGRAMS
Heart Recreation Center

Hearst Rec FUN FACTS
Year DC SCORES started: 2016
Ward: 3
Uniform color: Blue
Coaches: Soccer -- Alex Oshinsky

COACH's CORNER
"The relationship I have with the students is great! I show up and they are excited. DC SCORES is a good program." - soccer coach Alex Oshinsky


KID TALK
"I like playing for Hearst Rec because it gives me more chances to become a better soccer player." -Max on improving his soccer skills with DC SCORES

"I really like DC SCORES because I'm with people from my school. I wasn't with my friends at my old soccer team. It's nice for kids to feel special and be with their friends! I'm really happy to switch to DC SCORES." - Innea K.

DC SCORES debuts City Soccer League today

For the past 21 years on Thursday afternoons across Washington, DC, elementary school kids have taken to neighborhood soccer fields for DC SCORES game day. They've proudly worn matching T-shirts with DC SCORES on the front and their school name on the back.

There's a reason Thursday is the favorite day of the week for the majority of our third- through fifth-grade poet-athletes. 

For the past 10 years, the same can be said for our middle school poet-athletes on Friday afternoons. We've consistently run the only public and public charter soccer league for students in grades sixth through eighth across the District. A handful of schools without our program have paid to participate in the league each year because of its reputation and organization and the opportunity it provides. 

And now, beginning this afternoon, we are adding Wednesday game day!

Today, in partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, is our first "City Soccer League" game day for recreation center sites in our program. Across the District, eight recreation centers will meet for games set in the same format as our elementary school leagues.

The co-ed games will be led by DC SCORES staff members. Sportsmanship and learning will be stressed above all else. And, of course, having fun and embodying our values -- teamwork, leadership and commitment -- will be emphasized too. 

Adding several recreation centers to our programming first and foremost allows us to serve more DC kids in need, providing after-school programming and the game day experience for kids who don't attend DC SCORES schools or are at schools with overflowing interest in the program. 

You can view our list of DC SCORES sites and league partners online here, and check out the full game day schedule for the season here.

Let the games begin!