Elm City Internationals

Elm City Internationals is a New Haven-based soccer program founded in 2008 by Lauren Mednick. The organization uses soccer as a vehicle to create a supportive learning community for low-income adolescent boys who excel on the soccer field but require additional academic assistance. ECI combines soccer training with tutoring and mentoring, with 100 percent of their alumni graduating from college. The program is distinguished by its focus on educational support alongside athletic development, with many former students returning as mentors and coaches.