Soccer Without Borders Returns to Chicago for a 2nd Violence Prevention Coaching Workshop

The CJ Brown Foundation (CJBF) is proud to welcome Soccer Without Borders (SWB) back to Chicago for another transformative Violence Prevention Coaching Workshop, set for Friday, June 7th, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at UCAN Chicago (3605 W. Fillmore, Chicago, IL 60624) in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago’s westside.

This dynamic, play-based workshop is designed to deepen participants' understanding of leveraging the power of sport to resolve conflict, build teams, and enhance community safety through intentional and inclusive activities. Coaches, youth leaders, educators, and community advocates are invited to come together for a morning of learning and meaningful connection led by Nora Dooley, SWB’s Assist Director, as she facilitates movement-based activities designed to teach and create discussion.  

CJBF hosted SWB in March 2025, conducting a very well-received Workshop on Violence Prevention at Tuley Park in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood on Chicago’s south side. The event received outstanding feedback.

According to the post-workshop survey:

• 100% of participants gained new skills and strategies they could apply in their coaching or community work.

• 100% felt safe sharing ideas and said their voices were heard.

• 100% formed connections they plan to maintain beyond the training.

• 100% left equipped to build stronger ties in their communities.

• 100% felt more confident initiating conversations around community issues.

• 100% believe or now more strongly believe that sport can play a role in preventing violence.

• 100% found the training beneficial and want more opportunities to engage with CJBF and SWB.

Participant reflections say it best:

• “The workshop didn’t just connect people by playing together—it helped people communicate through conflict resolution.”

• “Through sports, we can tackle a lot of hard conversations that aren’t always easy to talk about.”“It opened my mind. It’s not just about sports—it’s about bringing in conversation and critical thinking too.”

• "Everything today was great. Everyone got to get up and get loose, not just sit and stare at a screen.”

The Coaching Workshop isn’t just an event—it’s an investment in the youth and leaders shaping our neighborhoods. With community, accountability, and pride at the core of the CJ Brown Foundation, CJBF is committed to supporting safe, inclusive spaces that empower youth and equip coaches with tools to inspire.

Soccer Without Borders Violence Prevention Coaching Workshop II

📅 Friday, June 7, 2025

🕘 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

📍 UCAN Chicago | 3605 W. Fillmore, Chicago, IL 60624

Spots are limited! Registration is open and FREE!

Register here!

The event is open to new participants and former participants, as the focus and activities are different from the first CJBF/SWB Coaching Workshop in March.