Washington, D.C. – 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.
Provided by the District of Columbia Sports Information Department.