Posted: Mar 23, 2016
SOCCER TEAM FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY-MINDED PROGRAMS
PETERSBURG, Va., (March 23, 2016) – Richard Bland College soccer coach Eduardo de Souza has a passion for his sport, and it extends far beyond the boundaries of the field and intercollegiate competition. He is a staunch advocate about creating a connection in the community and his players are active in civic endeavors around Petersburg.
On Monday afternoon, the Statesmen soccer team held a clinic for youngsters from the Petersburg YMCA and the previous Friday afternoon conducted a reading program at the Walnut Hill Elementary School.
The object of the program is mentoring children to become leaders, installing confidence and developing character by using reading as one avenue. Richard Bland student-athletes help shepherd the process by serving as role models.
"It's a mutual benefit for each organization we work with," says de Souza. "Richard Bland student are leading the program, but they learn from the kids from the questions they ask. We enjoyed our first experiences at the Walnut Hill School and with the Petersburg YMCA and there will be more endeavors like this to come."
