University Southern California Trojans
Soccer Coaches at Home in Los Angeles
June 20, 2014 | Trojan Outreach
May 5, 2014
Last Friday night, as their athletes prepared for final exams, two of the Trojan Family's newest members set out to brighten the local community.
Recently hired soccer coach Keidane McAlpine and assistant coach Jason Lockhart spent their evening with the Los Angeles Football Club Youth Soccer Academy (LAFC). Under the lights at Augustus Hawkin's field, they coached local children through soccer drills and offered words of encouragement for those in difficult life situations.
"I'd rather be here with USC than anywhere else tonight," said one ecstatic participant. McAlpine carried the middle school athletes through fundamental drills before a pep talk where he encouraged academic excellence and unselfish teamwork.
Though a new experience for the Trojans, these weekend educational sessions have become commonplace thanks to the LAFC, a groundbreaking community partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department to serve the youth of South and Central Los Angeles.
"Many of these kids have never encountered a collegiate soccer coach or player before so they are excited and eager to learn," said Anthony Cummings, Director of LAFC. "Soccer is our vehicle to reach the students, but we also stress character in everything we do."
LAFC hosts Friday Night Academy events using soccer to keep kids active after school ends. These events are regularly attended by more than one hundred children, and include a community leadership and college prep mentorship program.
"A big thanks to Keidane and Jason from all of us at LAFC," said Rich Orosco, Co-Founder of LAFC. "It is partners like them that make a big difference and take this program to another level."
Even before their first season, McAlpine and Lockhart have proven invaluable additions to the local community. The athletic department echoes the sentiments of the young neighbors from LAFC: the Trojan Family would rather have these coaches here than anywhere else.
For more information on the LAFC, check out their website.
