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| A Breakthrough player named Eric winds up to pitch.
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(continued from e-newsletter)
In fact, Breakthrough is fortunate to have community members involved as volunteer coaches as well as long-time volunteers like Ed and Ryan. Local residents Marcus Turner and Sheldon Nesbit are a welcome addition to the team this year.
Volunteer coaches often use opportunities off the field to build relationships. They take youth to college campuses and to their work offices. “We try to communicate that success is achievable for anyone,” Ryan says. “By exposing them to others who have worked hard and have attained great goals, we urge them to dream big.”
Youth also benefit from family participation. Baseball and football coach, Ed Campins, highlights the challenges and rewards of getting families involved, “We see more family members come to games than we used to,” he says. Both coaches acknowledge the obstacles that families face in getting to games. “A large number are headed by a single parent,” says Ryan. “So whether that parent has to work or just has to care for the other kids in the family, it’s often not easy to be as involved as perhaps you or I might expect.”
But the coaches make a conscious effort to engage families. “We call to invite them,” says Ed. “If a youth misses a game, we call to check up.” The proactive approach has paid off. “Since we’ve started to establish a relationship of trust, parents are willing to open up to us about what’s going on with their kids,” he says. “In fact, when they mention that their son or daughter has been in a fight or is struggling with grades, they welcome us to speak with the child.”
“We’re really working together,” says Ed. He has also seen a shift in how parents perceive the benefits of sports involvement. “Many parents recognize the positive affects of learning discipline, respect and teamwork. Even if a youth is struggling with grades or behavior at home, most parents see the benefit of continuing to allow their child to participate on the team. Overall, involvement in sports is an absolute positive,” adds Ed. “Those that stick with sports seem to do better in general.”
CLICK HERE to support the sports leagues by making a financial gift. Please select "Youth & Family Services" from the drop-down menu.
For more information on becoming a volunteer coach for our boys' and girls' sports leagues, contact Volunteer Coordinators, Dave or Ann Healing, at 773.722.1144 x271 or dhealing@breakthroughministries.com / ahealing@breakthroughministries.com.
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