Soccer Players for Math
Our Story
Soccer Players for Math is a movement born in the aftermath of the pandemic, as students across Maryland face a crisis in math proficiency. Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) test scores have plummeted to alarming levels, signaling an urgent wake-up call for parents and our community. If we do not take immediate action, we risk a future where basic educational achievements are out of reach. It’s time to step up, support our students, and turn these numbers around.
Website made by the players for the players.
PG County MCAP Scores
1. High Percentage of Students Below Grade Level Across All Groups
-
Across all students in Prince George’s County, 89.2% are below grade level.
-
Among African American middle schoolers, 92.3% are below grade level.
-
Among Hispanic middle schoolers, 95.6% are below grade level.
-
This suggests a widespread issue in math proficiency, particularly among African American and Hispanic middle schoolers, who are performing slightly worse than the overall county average.
2. Disparity in Proficiency Levels
-
Among African American middle schoolers, only 7.7% are at or above grade level.
-
Among Hispanic middle schoolers, this drops even further to 4.4%.
-
In comparison, the overall county percentage of students on or above grade level is 10.8%.
-
This indicates that minority students—especially Hispanic middle schoolers—are disproportionately struggling with math proficiency.
3. Proficiency Level Breakdown Shows an Alarming Trend
-
A large proportion of students fall into Level 1 (Beginner):
-
46.4% of all county students
-
54.0% of African American middle schoolers
-
62.5% of Hispanic middle schoolers
-
-
Meanwhile, Level 3 (Proficient) and Level 4 (Distinguished)—indicating math success—are extremely low:
-
10.8% of all county students are at Level 3 or higher.
-
Only 7.7% of African American middle schoolers reach this level.
-
Hispanic middle schoolers perform even worse, with just 4.4% reaching Level 3 or higher.
-
-
This suggests that a significant majority of students—especially minority students—are struggling with basic math concepts.
What Can You Do?
The Statistics Point To A Systemic Math Proficiency Issue
-
The data suggests that math proficiency is a systemic issue in Prince George’s County, with only a small percentage of students achieving proficiency.
-
The disparities in performance among African American and Hispanic students may indicate a need for targeted intervention programs to address learning gaps.
Parents
Parents play a critical role in helping our children overcome the current math proficiency crisis. By staying engaged with their child's academic progress, encouraging consistent study habits, and creating a supportive home learning environment, parents can make a meaningful difference. Attend school meetings, ask teachers for specific feedback, and take advantage of tutoring resources and virtual review sessions. Most importantly, talk to your child about the importance of math and build their confidence through positive reinforcement. Together, we can ensure our students are not left behind and are equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
Coaches
Coaches have a powerful voice in the lives of young athletes — and that voice doesn’t stop at the field. As trusted mentors, coaches can play a key role in helping students prioritize both their physical and academic growth. By setting expectations that academics come first, celebrating improvements in math scores alongside athletic achievements, and checking in with players about school, coaches can shift the culture around learning. Many students will work harder when they know their coach is watching. Whether it's organizing study halls before practice, reinforcing the importance of staying eligible, or partnering with teachers to keep students on track, coaches can be a powerful force in closing the math gap. When young players see that success in school is just as important as success on the field, they rise to meet both goals.
Community
The entire community has a stake in our children’s education—and a role to play in improving math outcomes. Community centers, churches, libraries, and local businesses can host tutoring nights, sponsor math clubs, or provide quiet spaces for study. Mentors and volunteers can step in to support students, especially those who need extra encouragement or help outside of school hours. Neighborhood organizations can organize math-focused events, celebrate student achievement publicly, and ensure that educational success is seen as a community value. When the community shows up, students feel seen, supported, and motivated. Together, we can build a culture where learning is valued, effort is recognized, and every child knows they are not alone in their journey.
What We Are Doing
Soccer Players For Math understands that improvement only comes from solidifying study habits. This Spring of 2025, we are proud to host middle school students (grades 6–8) at the University of Maryland, where academics meet athletics in a supportive, motivating environment. Throughout the program, students will build strong study habits, develop confidence in math, and prepare specifically for the MCAP assessments happening later in the academic school year. With structured review sessions, peer collaboration, and mentorship from both student-athletes and educators, Soccer Players for Math is more than just tutoring—it's a movement to shift the culture around learning, discipline, and community support.
Upcoming Camp Schedule
Math Spring Break
-
Monday, April 14 – New York State Assessment
-
Tuesday, April 15 – New Jersey State Assessment
-
Wednesday, April 16 – Massachusetts State Assessment
-
Thursday, April 17 – Maryland State Assessment
-
Friday, April 18 – Maryland State Assessment
-
Saturday, April 19 – Final Review
Ready To Get In The Game?
Schedule a call with us to see how we can assist you to take your math skills to the next level.