As the calendar changed from 2019 to 2020, I found myself traveling to our first program of the new year at the Queen Elizabeth Home for Children in Grenada. With a successful 2019 behind us, I was filled with excitement to begin the new decade. The children’s home is located in St. George’s, Grenada, the capital of the small Caribbean island. The buildings in town were vibrant and colorful, equal to the spirit of the people that inhabited them. Strangers could hardly be defined as such, as they were quick to provide directions, a ride, or even an extra plantain or piece of chicken down by Deyna’s restaurant. I’d take my lunch up a hill overlooking the cruise port and marina, fueling up for an afternoon of soccer in hope that my energy might at least match that of the kids. Perched atop what could only feel like the highest point on the island, I couldn’t help but admire the beauty that painted the landscape in front of me. Recalling my trip up the hill and the people I crossed paths with along the way, the contagiousness of their friendly nature and quickness to share a smile, it could only be assumed that the Grenadians had been painted by the same brush. 

I was looking forward to this trip. It was a long time coming. After contacting the organization in Fall 2018, I finally made it to Grenada 15 months later, ready to teach the beautiful game. When I approached the building, I felt butterflies in my stomach, a combination of nerves, excitement, and sheer determination. For our programming, I wanted to focus on teaching the beautiful game of soccer and life skills, such as discipline, listening and communication.

Every day when I arrived at Queen Elizabeth Home for Children, the kids reacted as if it was Christmas and Santa Claus had just arrived. All the kids jumped out of their seats with joy, ran over to say hello, and gave me so many high fives my hands were stinging. When it was time to start playing soccer, all of the kids were so excited… they would even fight over who got to carry the equipment, something I always dreaded at practice growing up.

I love to teach. I feel so fulfilled every time I see a child’s face light up once they master a skill. This moment is something I look forward to during each trip. I demonstrated one move and they became filled with determination, ready to accept the challenge and master it. Smiles symbolized a sense of accomplishment, a feeling like no other for kids who experience the worst. 

As a college graduate, I know the importance of an education. As a former athlete, I understand how sports can have such an impact on a child’s life, teaching them skills they never learned in the classroom. When we finished up soccer for the day, we returned to the house where I assisted the participants with their homework. Play together, learn together, dream together. I believe these values are integral in the classroom and on the field, so it is my goal to be a role model for these participants, showing them you can get your education while playing the sport you love. The classroom and the field work together in a child’s life. Involvement in sport motivates positive performance in the classroom and vice versa. This duality is a core value for me and my programs.  

Sometimes you come across one student who stands out above the rest. On this trip it was Jay*.  He has the potential to be a great leader, but he was not the best behaved, leading with his fists instead of his character. To inspire him, I put him in leadership positions, such as having him be a team captain and picking teams for our scrimmages. As a leader, he had to keep his composure to ensure that the other kids would have a fun time playing. By doing this, he learned how to lead his peers in a respectful way. At the end of our program, the directors of the children’s home explained to me that they were so impressed with Jay’s transformation.

Right before I was set to leave, Jay ran back to his room with lightning speed, begging me to hold on for just one more second. When he returned, he proudly handed me a makeshift envelope he folded from notebook paper. In the envelope was a hand-written letter and a swatch of his soccer shirt with his signature on it. I accepted his token of appreciation and was so moved by his gesture. After I returned home, I unwrapped the t-shirt to find Jay’s school picture carefully nestled in the fabric- a final, lasting reminder of a boy I hoped could change and inspire others in the same way he inspired me. I hope Jay dreams big and sees that he can achieve anything.

I measure success in smiles and goals, but not the kind you score in a net. These participants showed up every day to work hard and have fun. There were plenty of smiles to go around and each participant soared past their goals for the week; I was so impressed. My goal was to teach them about fun and active lifestyles, letting kids be kids. This healthier lifestyle shift is powered by the soccer balls we gave each participant, allowing them to play together, learn together and dream together after I returned home. The staff at Queen Elizabeth Home for Children didn’t know what to expect at first, but they said it was a special experience for everyone and worth the wait. I will always remember Jay and hope he can be a future leader for St. George’s, Grenada. As I mentioned, this trip took a long time to execute, but I enjoyed every minute of it. 

*To protect the identity of Jay, we have changed his name for this story.