Jim Hardy Receives Recognition from Mayor's Office

“It was the last game of the season and we needed to beat one last team in order to improve our standings.” Jim Hardy recalls a time when he was coaching soccer for Kensington Health Sciences High School. He shares that the team was starring Berlenz. Which if you have seen Berlenz play, you wouldn’t be surprised that “…that they beat the team 1-0”. But amid the celebration, Jim noticed that the players from the other team were mad at Berlenz. The athlete from the opposing team started hurling insults towards Berlenz, and a senior at the time Julio stepped in and said, “Don’t say that, that’s my brother.”

Jim had a litany of memories and even accomplishments to share as his favorite, but he chose this one to share with our staff in honor of Thanksgiving because it is not uncommon for our athletes to exhibit unity in the face of discrimination and mistreatment. Jim explained, “there are a lot of moments like that when we play other teams.” There are also instances like the Philadelphia Women’s Unity Cup Championship game where KSC players are competing against each other. He continues, “watching how they compete really seriously for each other but have that love for each other really lifts my spirits every time.” As a part of our work uniting the community through soccer, our athletes have redefined how we show up for each other amid competition.

Berlenz is significant not only in this memory, but when thinking about examples of our Executive Director Jim Hardy’s recognition for his work making Philadelphia a safe and supportive place for immigrants. As Berlenz fired up the field in the Palangi League Cup Final this past summer, his former coaches and teammates reflected on his own unique journey to KSC. Like many of the teens who now participate and lead in our KSC Prep+, Teen WorkReady, Friday Night Lights and other enrichment and athletic programs, Berlenz was introduced to KSC by being invited to join a game of pick up. His former coaches recounted how they wanted to invite him to play soccer, but they didn’t know French. They summoned their teacher, and coach Jim Hardy who knew a little French - at least enough to welcome him to join. Berlenz would go on to play in high school, informally at pick-up programs and events, and of course start on our Adult Men’s Team.

When Executive Program Director Barbyose Noisette nominated Jim for the award Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs in the category of Education Excellence, she like others were aware of his bi-lingual approach to his leadership role, and his general impact in the community. Jim’s approach to his work at KSC and in schools shows how important making all feel welcome - not only in soccer, but in Philadelphia is to him. Jim has been recognized by Chalkbeat and Hidden City for his work as a teacher and through KSC making Philadelphia a safe and supportive place for immigrants.

More recently, Hardy was named as a runner up for the award in recognition of his work making Philadelphia a more welcoming place to immigrants as a teacher and through Kensington Soccer Club. On behalf of Kensington Soccer Club we would like to congratulate all who were nominated for their amazing work to make Philadelphia a more welcoming and supportive place for immigrants.