When WinExnplionrgE SIasnn p’atb Eloverything Listening to Rafael Torres, President of the San Pablo United Youth Soccer Club (SPUYSC), speak about his beloved sport and his community it becomes immediately clear that soccer is much more than a game of winning to him. “We get the kids in our community to enjoy themselves by being part of a soccer club that will keep them healthy and give them a mind set to reach for the goals they have in life,” said Torres. This volunteer run club was founded more than twenty years ago and now coaches an average of 300 to 350 kids, ranging in age from three to 19, every season. Much of Torres’ motivations come from his personal experience on the field—or the bench. “I never really got a chance to play when I was in school in San Francisco, not because I was a bad player but because there was so much talent ahead of me,” he shared. “I don’t want our kids to feel the way I felt sitting on the bench.” Because of that experience Torres has a 50 percent policy, meaning that every child gets to play at least 50 percent of every game. “I want everyone to have the opportunity to play because to me winning is secondary,” he said. “Our first goal is to make sure we develop their skills and to let them be their best, then the winning will come. I think this is why so many families stick with us season after season.” By Jeannie Howard Following the principles of making sure every kid gets to play; Torres said it is important to him that children who want to play are not stopped for financial reasons. “We work with families to find a way to play. To me this is not a way to make money, it is not a business,” he said. “I see playing soccer and being a part of a team a necessity for everybody who wants it.” Taking a cue from the healthy initiative the city of San Pablo has been implementing, Torres said he makes sure to talk about healthy habits on and off the field at the club’s monthly meeting. “We encourage parents to bring healthy snacks for the kids to have after practices and games. We also have a program for parents to get their shoes on and partner up with their kids on the field. We want to get the whole family involved.” The city has been very supportive to the club in spreading the healthy eating and active living message, said Torres. “We do our outreach and the city provides us with tools and help when we need it—we have a very good relationship.” As a city leader, Leslay Choy, General Manager, says that SPUYSC stands out simply because of the level of involvement and support Torres gives. “He really understands the importance of engaging youth in this healthy team building activity so they are doing something healthy and productive with their lives,” Choy shared. “Kids in cities have different challenges and keeping our youth active, and feeling accountable and responsible for something is pretty exciting.” Even as the team begins to fulfil its goals of further growth now that they have additional space at the new Rumrill Park, Torres will continue to put winning on the back burner and making strong confident youth the priority. “It’s like a tree; once the seed opens up and starts carving into the land it will withstand any wind or storm as long as it has a good foundation,” he expressed. “We have to encourage our kids to follow their dreams and we as the adults are here to guide them and put them on the right path. I have been blessed to get to know so many families and I want to make sure this club will be here for another twenty years offering the best opportunities to our community.”
Contra Costa Marketplace - Mar 2015
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