Beyond the Field: Miami SCORES Parent Voices from the World Cup

For 88 Miami SCORES poet-athletes, the FIFA World Cup 2026 became more than a tournament. Through the Quaker Player Escort Program, delivered in partnership with Common Goal, the students walked onto the field alongside international soccer players before four matches in Miami.

As they geared up before leaving for the stadium, their parents watched from nearby, carrying a different set of emotions. They reflected on the years of encouragement and personal sacrifices behind each child’s walk onto the field.

“We are wholeheartedly thankful for all the effort that the Miami SCORES staff put into making this amazing opportunity possible for all our children. All the sacrifices we as parents make every day have been worth it because this incredible opportunity has left an unforgettable mark in all our children' s hearts and memories.” Heydi, mom from Kelsey L. Pharr Elementary 

Before the matches, many families felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Some students spoke confidently about meeting the players. Others needed reassurance from their parents as they prepared to step in front of thousands of fans. For the parents, the moment represented far more than a few minutes on the field. “For them to have this opportunity really shows them that anything is possible and they can accomplish anything in life." said Jamyra, Nailana’s mom from Orchard Villa Elementary.

Many of these families come from Miami communities where access to major sporting events often feels out of reach. Through Miami SCORES, students from Title I Miami-Dade County Public Schools received a place in one of the city’s defining World Cup experiences. Parents saw their children represent their schools, neighborhoods, and families on soccer’s biggest stage. Janet Ortiz, Troy’s mom from Kelsey L. Pharr Elementary, shared how meaningful the opportunity felt because “many families in our community are low-income families who otherwise could not have afforded to take their child to a World Cup match, let alone be so close to these amazing players.”

The students walked beside players they had watched on television and admired from afar. For some parents, seeing their children in the same space as those players expanded their understanding of where soccer might lead.

“We’re thankful to Miami SCORES for providing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This will be a huge encouragement for all these kids who have started playing soc

cer because of this program. Who knows if tomorrow it’s going to be one of them on the field. For some of us parents, that could be the objective, and we will always be here to support them and motivate them to keep pushing forward.”  Dad from Orchard Villa 

The final whistle ended each match, but the families carried the experience home with them. The photographs and videos will preserve the moment. The confidence, belonging, and sense of possibility created by the experience will shape how many of these students view themselves moving forward.

Our poet-athletes took the steps onto the field, but their families helped them reach the starting point. Their voices complete the story of Miami SCORES at the World Cup: a story of sacrifice, pride, opportunity, and children learning how far their dreams might take them.