Nutrition + Soccer = Opportunity
In this case, BIG opportunities
We recently completed a series of single-day clinics that were unique in our portfolio of service to the wonderful Pleasant Grove community -- unique in some highly functional ways, but also in creating some unbelievable opportunities.
As for the practical benefit:
We had three single-day clinics that served just over 150 kids, ages 8-14. Many of the young soccer players attended all three days, and most attended at least two of the three-hour sessions.
We did our usual thing: active engagement with rotations through various stations, all guided by quality coaches who blend joy and love for the game with skill development. But we did something else, too.
We got some nice publicity for the clinics from the local Telemundo affiliate. Here, coach Miguel Valles talks about how we serve the community through opportunities in soccer. (And thanks to WW Samuell High School for use of the facilities!)
While we always like to sprinkle in guidance on nutrition and hydration, this time we made it a central element of the clinics. Underwritten by a major corporation, we provided guidance on the importance fueling up for soccer -- and fueling up properly! Each day included a dedicated session to having the young boys and girls write down things like how they were feeling, whether they ate a good breakfast, how much water they were drinking and how all of that made them feel. It's the kind of nutritional and health guidance that can sometimes miss underserved communities.
We think it had some real value for families in Pleasant Grove, and for helping to develop some happy, healthy young humans!
Meanwhile, the kids with good attendance were also becoming eligible for some very special opportunities tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and specifically to the nine FIFA World Cup matches scheduled to take place at the Dallas Cowboys home stadium this June and July.
We can't say much about that right now -- there's a corporate tie-in, so we'll let them make the announcement at a time of their choosing. Suffice to say, however, these are the kinds of opportunities that definitely can miss under-served communities.
We can't wait to say more. Meanwhile, we're so proud, and so happy that a bunch of good kids from some great Pleasant Grove families will be tightly connected to this generational soccer event in North Texas.