From the Mouths of Volunteers

Miguel Teixeira, one of our soccer coaches shared his experiences coaching a team this past soccer season.


“…Most of my endeavors in the world of service were honestly motivated by partially self-centered reasons such as wanting to being accepted to medical school or fulfilling my family and church duties. I wanted to be fully involved in a service project where I felt I would not gain anything –to do service for the pure joy of service. Coaching for the South Franklin Soccer League was obviously distant enough from my personal interests that I thought this would let me experience the power of service without having ulterior motives. Ironically, I discovered that it is impossible to give and serve without receiving more…I joined the South Franklin Soccer League as a coach for a team in the 12-15 year-old division…My goal was not so much providing children with soccer skills, but rather giving them good role models and somewhere to go after school where they are less prone to get in trouble. I taught my players teamwork, patience, respect and fair play...The program further tried to involve parents, thereby building relationships and trust within the community…I was initially hesitant in participating, but found the community center a haven full of friendly people participating in sports. I quickly recognized how appreciative the community has been about the soccer program, evidenced by the high attendance of both children and their families.”

Got Volunteers?

Every week day at 3 pm the community center doors open and kids of all ages rush up the stairs to play ping pong, computer games, Foosball, or just to relax and hang out. Since this past January the community center has been an after school haven for kids to come and interact with volunteers who care about them. Most of the kids love being with the volunteers because so many of them just need someone to ask about their day and listen to them, care about them and believe in them. However, with university students out of school our volunteer numbers have dwindled. We need more volunteers to come interact with these kids. If you are interested or know anyone who would be, please email: sfccboulders@hotmail.com. Spread the word!

National AmeriCorps Week!

This week we are excited to celebrate National AmeriCorps Week! Did you know that the the South Franklin Community Center is run by two AmeriCorps VISTAS? AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program dedicated to fighting poverty. VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members commit to serve full-time for one year at a nonprofit organization or a government agency. They do not generally provide direct service, but instead work to improve the organizational, administrative and financial capacity of organizations that fight poverty in their community.
Come by our booth at Fresh Market on University Parkway to learn more about the AmeriCorps VISTA program or take a look at www.americorps.gov
Thank you to all the AmeriCorps members who are serving their community!

Two AmeriCorps members Rachel and Stephanie in front of Fresh Market- Getting things done!

BYU Men's Soccer Team visits South Franklin!

This past Saturday, players from our league had the opportunity to learn from and play with members of the BYU Men's Soccer team. In spite of the cold rain and sleet, the kids stayed warm running around and having fun. A huge thank you to BYU Men's Soccer team for putting on an event that the kids will always remember!

A team huddle after a game well played.

Practice drills

From the Mouths of Volunteers

One of our soccer coaches, Michelle Rubio, shared her volunteering experiences with us earlier in the spring soccer season:

Every practice and game I tell them to be happy with whatever position they receive and give it their all. I guess you could say our unofficial motto is play your best. My team has noticed during games other kids smack talking, but they refuse to answer back in a degrading way. Their responses always are "we're going to play our best" or "we're going to win because we'll play our best." I really enjoyed seeing this change and improvement.

Jesse, who was on my team last year, was somewhat distracted in practices with influences from other teammates. However, once I made him team captain and motivated him to be a leader, he changed his whole attitude. He has proudly led his team in laps, stretching and constant feedback. It's been so lovely to see the change in him.

My team has improved and boosted their confidence just by playing their best and believing in each other. Some days they have a harder time believing that, but when they collaborate they are the best team ever!