While I was waiting to travel internationally, I wanted to stay involved in my local community, providing access to play for kids in my backyard of Hartford, Conn.. I knew I had a great partner in the Hartford Lions Soccer Academy, as we had always wanted to find a way to work together. 

At the time, Around the Worlds was well into virtual programming, which was a welcomed change, but it was not the same as our usual in-person sessions. The smiles were more faint and it was hard to feel the energy through the screen. As we all know, sitting in a virtual meeting is not as engaging as an in person interaction, so I was itching for the day when we could get back on the pitch.

Kenniel and the HLSA wanted to return to in-person sessions at the end of the summer and I hoped we could collaborate when the time came. I was ecstatic when he said yes! I worked with three different age groups of beneficiaries during a 6-week program. The entire session was equipped with PPE for coaches, plenty of hand sanitizer and a thermometer so everyone could be checked before playing both for participants and their supportive families. HLSA’s transition to in person programming helped me design our new blueprint for programs abroad and they helped settle my nerves about running a program amid a global pandemic!

As I got ready, I kept my eye on the skies as some ominous clouds moved in during my commute, but magically, the clouds parted and made way for blue skies as the kids arrived. We started preparing for the session by putting out the ladders, cones and goals. 

As I got ready, I kept my eye on the skies as some ominous clouds moved in during my commute, but magically, the clouds parted and made way for blue skies as the kids arrived. We started preparing for the session by putting out the ladders, cones and goals. 

Even though we were ready, I was afraid the beneficiaries would be scared or nervous or maybe their parents would be hesitant. This is truly an unprecedented time where there is so much unknown. All of my anticipation came down to this moment as the first two kids arrived, masks strapped on tightly. Then, two more trickled in. While some people may be disappointed by a small turnout, I enjoy working in small groups. There is a level of intimacy that allows for more specialized training. Even simpler than that, small group training allows for kids to feel seen, noticed, and appreciated. For us to know their names and for them to know ours.

First and foremost, every participant received a ball. I remember announcing, “Alright guys, we’re here for at least the next 6 weeks so make sure you bring that ball to every session. We’ll write your name on it here with sharpie just so you know it’s yours.” Our program consisted of simple drills and finished with a penalty shoot out and of course a photo. 

On my second day, I was working with a younger age group, the 3-5 year olds. I did not know what to expect in terms of numbers, but I was hoping we would have a fun time together. The turn out was amazing! 15 to 20 participants showed up with their families there to cheer them on. We provided a mini soccer ball for each of them and played many fun games together. 

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During COVID-19, I always told my team how excited I was to get back out there with participants and their families, but I did not know what it would actually be like. Would it be the same? Would the kids have as much fun? Is it safe? Would the kids have that contagious energy and be smiling ear to ear? 

It was so fulfilling to see their energy and I felt their smiles from beneath the cloth mask. While it was different, it meant the most because after four long months we were finally back.