Youth Development: 

“That Small Gesture of Sportsmanship was Impressive. That Really Stood Out.” – Hilltop Tigers Impress On, Off Pitch

The Hilltop Tigers are more than just a mere youth soccer program.

The results on the pitch are important for the youngsters participating, of course, but recently the Tigers saw first-hand why the program is about so much more than soccer. In late April, the Under-11 Tigers played a game in Dublin against a local squad and made a new fan along the way. 

Because of traffic, the Tigers arrived in Dublin for a game against a team from the Dublin United Soccer Club just minutes before the start of the game. Nonetheless, their professionalism caught the attention of one of the Dublin parents.

"I thought they had to be stopped in traffic," said Melissa Bogner, whose son was suited up for Dublin United. "I was like, 'I hope this team shows up.' Then my daughter and I saw this very professional-looking team. They had one coach in the front of the line, one in the back of the line. All the players following single-file to our field. ... They did a little running warm-up in line and in sync, and I was like, 'This is going ot be a tough game for our team. This team looks like they know what they're doing.' "

It did not take long for the Tigers to find success after the opening whistle. They scored a trio of quick goals to race out to an unsurmountable lead. 

But it was how they reacted to lead that impressed Bogner.

"About 5 or 10 minutes into the game, I think our team was already down 3-0," she said. "These little kids' foot skills were just so impressive.

"Then after that third goal, one of the kids on your team kind of reached over to his friend to say, 'OK. OK. No more celebrating. We're already winning, and we don't need to make a show out of it.' That was just so respectful to be that aware at that age, knowing how much better they were. That small gesture of sportsmanship was impressive. That really stood out."

The positivity surrounding the Tigers caused Bogner and her daughter to root for both her son's team and the Tigers by the time the halftime whistle blew.

"Everything was great. Throughout the entire game, your two coaches did an amazing job just being positive," Bogner said. "You could hear them from the other side of the field, all of the positive feedback the coaches were giving their young gentlemen."

The Tigers went on to win the game, and afterward, Bogner continued watching how the Tigers operated. The Tigers' van was parked near hers, and she took the opportunity to address Hilltop Tigers coaches Abdi “Neymar” Idris and Ali Jeylani.

Said Bogner: "I went up to the coaches and said, 'I just wanted to say thank you to you two gentlemen Clearly you guys are great role models for these young athletes. I'm sure it's not easy work, and I know that (the players) might not quite appreciate it at their age, but I noticed it and you're doing a great job. Keep up the great work for these young gentlemen.' "

The Tigers were getting ready to head back down 270 to the Hilltop when Borges had a great idea. She noticed her hungry children in her van and thought about the kids in the Hilltop Tigers' van.

"My two kids were just chit-chatting in the car," Bogner said. "and I thought, 'You know what? We're going to Wendy's Why don't we treat them to Wendy's, too? They look just as hungry as my kids in my car.' 

"So I went back to the coaches and asked them if I could treat them all to dinner."

It was a very special treat on a winner night for the Tigers, both on and off the field. We thank Melissa and her children for their kindness. Hopefully, we'll see them again this soccer season!

If you are interested in helping support the Hilltop Tigers, please consider donating using the button below.

MY Community Cafe: 

'What an exciting space to add to this community!' – Minority Leader Allison Russo Speaks About MY Community Cafe

Order Online Today! Feed a Future! Visit MYCommunity.Cafe to Order

MY Project USA was blessed to have several elected officials attend the Grand Opening of MY Community Cafe, and Ohio State Minority Leader Allison Russo was one of those. Click on the image above (or here) to listen to her thoughts about our latest venture!

📍 Address: 3275 Sullivant Ave. Columbus, OH 43204 (Hilltop Youth Empowerment Center)
🕒 Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Global Gifts & Thrift: 

Mother's Day is on May 14! Head to GG&T for Awesome Gifts!

If you have not yet been to Global Gifts & Thrift, now is the perfect time to check out all of the great items in stock now that are perfect for Mother's Day!

We proudly offer an international, multicultural collection of gifts, artifacts, decorative items, clothing, shoes, household items and more. We've got a great selection of shoes and bags, and what mother does not love that?!

Each dollar spent at Global Gifts & Thrift helps MY Project USA feed, clothe, employ and empower underprivileged youth and their families, refugees, unemployed and homeless people. It helps us address gang/gun violence and human trafficking. It helps us foster strong girls and women leaders.

SHOP. DONATE. BUILD A LIFE.

📍 Address: 4730 Cemetery Rd. Hilliard, OH 43026 (next to the BMV)
🕒 Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Youth Development: 

Crew Defender Visits MY Project USA, Greets Hilltop Tigers

Thank you to Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira, who gracefully took time out of his day to visit us at MY Project USA and tour the Hilltop Youth Empowerment Center on Thursday, April 20.

The kids were shy around a professional soccer player at first, but it didn’t take long for them to open up around the French standout! Steven is a class act, and we were all very appreciative of his time. Thanks also to Faith from the Crew for helping coordinate Steven’s visit!

Youth Development: 

Young Leaders Help Represent MY Project USA at Iftar at Columbus City Hall

MY Project USA Founder & Executive Director Zerqa Abid was recently accompanied by two of our young leaders, Sharmarke Abdi & Mukumbira Mukumbira, at an Iftar at the Columbus City Hall building on Wednesday, April 19. Thank you to Columbus City Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy, Ohio State Reps. Munira Abdullahi and Ismail Mohamed and everyone else in attendance for their warm welcome.

Community Development: 

MY Project USA Staffers Attend Annual Columbus Interfaith Leaders Gathering

MY Project USA Founder & Executive Director Zerqa Abid and Director of Community Development Sami Omerzai attended the 2023 Columbus Interfaith Leaders Gathering on Sunday, April 16. Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders all gathered for an Iftar, Easter and Passover dinner. We were honored to be asked to join!

MY Helpline:

Rent & Utilities Support Available At MY Project USA

We have been working very hard in securing grants and building collaboration with other partners to help our clients. Thanks to The Columbus Foundation, United Way of Central Ohio, and IMPACT Community Action, we are still able to help more of our families with their rent and utilities. If you or someone you know needs help, please ask them to contact us at (614) 905-0977 or helpadmin@myprojectusa.org.

MY Deah's Warehouse:

8 Locations In Columbus To Drop Off Donations – Truck Pick-Up Available For Large Donations

You can now drop off your donations of new and gently used clothes, shoes, books, toys and other small non-breakable items in a donation box near you. These locations include: 

• Noor Islamic Cultural Center –  5001 Wilcox Rd. Dublin, OH 43016
• Masjid Nimrah – 4501 Refugee Rd. Columbus, OH 43232
• MAS Youth Center – 4615 Northtowne Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229
• Turkish American Society of Ohio (TASO) – 2885 W. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus, OH 43235
• Ahlul Bayt Society – 2580 W. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus, OH 43235
• The First Congregational Church – 444 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215
• MY Deah's Warehouse – 4004 Fondorf Dr. Columbus, OH 43228. (Business Hours Only)
• Global Gifts & Thrift – 4730 Cemetery Rd. Hilliard, OH 43206. (Business Hours Only)

We are looking for more locations. If interested in helping us or have any other questions, please contact us at warehouse@myprojectusa.org.