Youth soccer program SCORES big in sportsmanship

From L-R: Solomon Alexander, Donay, Coach Hearn, and Coach Huffington

America SCORES St. Louis was the first organization to welcome the Sportsmanship Brigade to its games when the program began. The coaches, administrative staff and parents are very proud of their poet-athletes and they have ever reason to be. SCORES promotes health and activity through soccer and literacy through poetry. Thursday evening was the final game of the fall season for the teams in attendance. Walbridge and Patrick Henry Elementary schools went head-to-head and the young ladies did not disappoint. It was a spirited contest with Walbridge coming out on top. My new friend, Donay scored a goal from mid-field and scored bigger points with her leadership. During tense moments, Donay kept her composure and was the vocal leader of her team.

The old saying "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" applies to parenting and coaching. Athletes of character usually have coaches of character teaching and encouraging them. This is certainly true of the Walbridge staff. Coach Huffington and Coach Hearn specifically told their girls to "practice good sportsmanship" and "don't let the other team get into their heads" - possibly inciting poor behavior. The Sportsmanship Brigade was indeed honored to recognize Coaches Huffington and Hearn along with Donay as  tonight's sportsmanship award winners. It's uplifting to see youth teams display great skill and great character.

This Saturday, the Brigade will make its way to Grace Christian Church in suburban St. Louis for a 1:00 p.m. CYC volleyball match. It will undoubtedly be a contest of spikes and sportsmanship. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who visit youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Those who display acts of good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more information on the Brigade - including scheduling and volunteer opportunities - please visit our website at sportsmanship.org. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol