Saturday Night Lights: More Than a Game

Saturday Night Lights participants enjoyed a lively Closing Ceremony for the program on June 14 at the Washington United Youth Center.

On Saturday evenings this past spring, the gymnasium at Washington United Youth Center pulsed with energy—not from a school dance or talent show, but from fast-paced futsal matches, high-fives, and the sound of opportunity in motion.

This was Saturday Night Lights (SNL), a community-based youth development program led by Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, in partnership with LeyVa Middle School, San Jose Police Department, and the San Jose Earthquakes. Through structured soccer, mentorship, and leadership-building, SNL is helping teens find their footing—on the court and in life.

“It gave me something to look forward to every week,” one participant shared. “It was fun, and I actually cared about it.”

That fun, however, is just the surface.

Behind the futsal drills and scrimmages is a deeper goal: helping youth succeed in school, build friendships, and see themselves as future leaders. And the results are compelling.

At LeyVa Middle School, 8th-grade participants in the SNL Futsal program not only saw a 30% increase in school attendance, but all were promoted to high school—including four students who had previously been at risk. “This program has proven to be a powerful tool in boosting student outcomes both inside and outside the classroom,” said Jim Grassi, Principal of LeyVa Middle School.

At Washington United Youth Center, the program drew an average of 35–40 youth weekly. Youth took on leadership roles, mentoring younger players, while parents noticed a shift in their teens’ confidence and sense of responsibility. “It’s been amazing watching my teen step up and mentor others,” one mother said.

Importantly, SNL also fosters positive relationships with law enforcement. Through shared play and open conversations, youth began to see police officers not as threats, but as neighbors. “I used to be scared of the cops,” one participant admitted. “Now I talk to them like they’re regular people.”

The program culminated in a lively Closing Ceremony on June 14 at the Washington United Youth Center, where families, city leaders, San Jose Earthquakes players, and community partners gathered to celebrate. Special guests included Councilmember Domingo Candelas, Earthquakes VP of Community Relations Robert Davis, and CCSCC CEO Don Taylor. The evening was a vibrant mix of youth showcases, awards, and community pride—complete with tacos, churros, music, and laughter.

For more information on our programs serving youth and families, visit our website: ccscc.org/families