The men and women of Sacramento State soccer are teaming up to act as role models, and to inspire underprivileged children at Howe Avenue Elementary School to chase their dreams and never give up.

The players began a lunch buddy mentorship program with the fourth and fifth graders at the elementary school on March 2. 

On Fridays, a couple of players from both teams go down to the school, answer questions the kids have prepared, play soccer and eat lunch with them. 

 “Athletics can bring so many opportunities regardless of race, sex or socioeconomic status,” said sophomore forward Jordyn Rolling. “Everyone should have the opportunity to try out a sport because you’ll never know if you’re naturally great until you have the chance to play.”

 Sac State’s Assistant Director of Development Missy Matzen participated in a lunch buddy program while she was in high school where she met Karen Murphy, a Howe Avenue Elementary School counselor. 

Matzen was with assistant men’s soccer coach Matt McDougall when they ran into Murphy and decided to join the men and women together to start the program.

 “(Murphy) said the need is now more than ever for these kids and they love soccer, but can’t afford to play,” Matzen said. “They can’t afford shin guards, cleats, a ball or anything you need to play, so I looked to Matt and said we can make something happen.”

 Because of the limited resources the students have, the athletes make it fun and easy for the kids to play without the extra equipment.

 Matzen and McDougall brought Murphy to Sac State and met with the players to explain why the need for help and guidance was so high.

 “Everybody has a story,” Murphy said. “It doesn’t just happen by magic that a university athlete gets to that level. There’s a process, there’s a commitment and there’s other people who played a part in their lives to help them achieve their dreams.”

 Matzen said the players were touched by what Murphy had to say and were willing to help, which made her and McDougall exceptionally proud of the soccer program.

 “When I heard that I was going to be able to work with kids, especially mostly underprivileged, I was all in,” Rolling said. “These kids really need a positive role model and if I can affect their lives in any way that would be a great accomplishment to me.”

 The players teach drills in passing, dribbling and the basic rules of the game. A main objective for the players is to promote  sportsmanship and teamwork. 

“We emphasize soccer fundamentals, but more importantly we highlight proper sports affiliated attitudes, which are essential because most of the kids have not been taught those characteristics of the sport,” said sophomore defender Andre Spencer. 

Although the players have only visited the school twice so far, they show interest in continuing to dedicate their time to help these children.

 “The fact that these kids that are growing up in tough environments, yet find happiness and stability in soccer, motivated me to lend a hand,” Spencer said.

 Matzen said the children look up to the soccer players as if they were celebrities and professional athletes. 

“I had the sweetest girl come up to me and tell me she wanted to be just like me when she grows up,” Rolling said. “I was honestly touched and I let her know all it takes is hard work and playing a little soccer everyday.” 

The players said they were given an opportunity and took on the responsibility to help the kids because they wanted to and not because they were forced.

 “A lot of these kids don’t have anybody at home to talk to and I wanted to see if I could change someone’s life or at least make their day a little better,” said forward Ivan Bustos. 

Murphy said even a small commitment such as having a lunch buddy once a week can make a big difference because it is so personal. 

“It’s something so easy on our end to do, but so impactful on the other side of it,” Matzen said.

Murphy said the players’ advice is valuable because they have firsthand experience playing soccer and staying in school. Murphy also said she is hoping they will share their perspective on the decisions and commitments they have made during their life. 

“We want the children to know what motivated, encouraged and inspired these athletes,” Murphy said. “This community service is amazing in making a difference in the life of a child.” 

Murphy said a majority of students at Howe Avenue Elementary come from struggling families where money is limited and the children have no one to help them live up to their dreams.  

“For a lot of these kids, college isn’t really a priority or even an option for them and their families, so it’s great to show them they can go to college and play soccer if they work hard,” said junior forward Elece McBride.

 Along with teaching the students emotional and physical aspects of soccer, the players also show concern for the children’s future. 

“The most important lesson we try and teach them is even if they aren’t able to play soccer in a league, they can still use soccer as a positive influence in their life and keep them out of trouble,” McBride said. 

The players said they are trying to help these children build confidence in themselves on and off the soccer field.

“They tell me that anything is possible if I work hard,” said fifth grader Sharwana Garcia. “Many people in the world think negative and give up, but if you hold on you can actually achieve something like kicking a soccer ball.” 

Spencer said the Sac State soccer program hopes to build a bond with the community of Howe Avenue Elementary and continue the goal of being positive role models for the children. 

“Their smiles and laughter are contagious,” Spencer said. “It’s easy to be happy leaving that place on Fridays knowing you have the ability to impact their lives positively.”

With just two visits, the children have enticed the athletes to keep coming back and give more lessons.

“I try and teach them to have fun, but also it’s important to do what they love to do,” Bustos said. “Whether their passion is music or soccer they should pursue that and do what makes them truly happy.”

Jillian Kweller can be reached at [email protected].