Men’s Soccer Helps Homeless of D.C.; Makes 2nd Visit to KEEN
WASHINGTON, DC – The University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team completed two community service projects on April 4th and 5th.
On Friday April 4th the Men's Soccer team attended the Georgetown Ministry to help the homeless of DC. An extremely worthwhile cause, the visit gave a valuable insight into the lives of those less fortunate.
"The daily plight for those with little help and way out showed the brutal reality of living in the city," assistant coach Danny Wadeson explained. "The trip showed first hand the high number of cases of mental illness in the area and whilst the surrounds of Georgetown and DC may appear easy on the eye there are different communities that need help just to get through the daily grind."
The team split into two groups as one stayed in the outreach center with head coach Matt Thompson while the others went out to see first hand the lives of those on the street. Armed with sandwiches, the student-athletes were graciously received in most cases as those in need would often share a story or pass on knowledge of what had happened in their lives.
"The experience brought home human need and the fact to never judge a person by appearance," Wadeson said.
On Saturday, the student-athletes of UDC went to KEEN to finish their community service engagements with the participants of St. Colletta School with Beth Green. Educating and providing a buddy for any child that stepped through the door, the players engaged their old and new friends through soccer activities.
A superb relationship which has grown from strength to strength over the last two years, the UDC Men's Soccer program will look to continue their twice yearly visits to the center.
Reflecting on the two engagement initiatives, Wadeson said it was a great chance for the student-athletes and the coaching staff to gain perspective.
"These two visits have shown the players and staff how fortunate they are in their own lives, and the value of giving back regardless of environment. Being thankful for what we have is consistently overlooked in everyone's life, and the simple need to help others less fortunate should never be underestimated," Wadeson.