The charter of the first Community Health Center describes its purpose as serving the not just the medical, dental, and mental health care needs, but providing the social support specific to the needs the community to which it belongs. It is a beautiful model of holistic care that considers not just the individual, but the neighborhood, environment, and society the belong to. Sea Mar has done a great job of doing so in the various communities it is a part of and the many varied services we offer. But I would not have guessed that a soccer team would be considered one of those many services we provide.
Sea Mar's U8 (mostly second grade) soccer team is about to wrap up its first-ever season. The team was birthed from the Childhood Obesity Interest Group and our frustration with the lack of access of low income communities to organized sports. But the goal was not just to make kids run around to shed some pounds. A sports team is more than just physical activity. A sports team helps instill a sense of belonging, teamwork, and personal responsibility. As a coach, I have the opportunity to build relationships with these budding athletes and can help instill in them a value of active living, teaching them responsibility, conflict resolution and how to listen.
This team is not only a positive force for the team members, but also their families. Many parents are getting outside and being active along with their kids. Three Latina mothers have started walking laps around the field together as they watch their kids practice. On game days, we see parents bringing out video cameras and cheering for their child’s team. Families are also learning the value of active living, and are able to support their children and share in this part of their development.
Hopefully these values will continue to grow with the support of the community, and these families will help make this soccer team a sustainable project that can continue to benefiting our South Park neighborhood.
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