Salem Church Middle School’s Soccer Team is Fueled Up For a New Season

What screams “fall season” like sports? Fall sports are highly anticipated all year not just by NFL fans, but by middle school athletes as well.

Salem Church Middle School fall sports are in full swing and the soccer team is maintaining a positive outlook this season.

Salem Church’s soccer coach, Arlene Green, is keeping that positivity by reminding her players there’s no “I” in “team.”

“I think the key component to coaching kids at this age [is] teamwork. Teaching them how to work together,” said Green.

Green recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities being available to middle schoolers, specifically after school sports. 

“[After school sports] helps them to grow in different ways, [like] in social skills,” Green said. “It keeps them active and healthy and out of trouble.“

Sports teach discipline and accountability, two traits that create a well rounded student on and off the field. 

Green also talked about how school sports teams allow bonds to form across all grade levels — 8th graders get the chance to be mentors to the younger players and set an example. 

In order for the athletes to play to their fullest potential, they must fuel their bodies before games. 

Through its biggest program, Fuel for Fun, Start 1 Spark provides all student-athletes with pre-game snacks which alleviates the coach from having to purchase food for the whole team. 

“Before we had [Start 1 Spark] supporting us and sponsoring us on games, on tournament days I was buying snacks for the kids,” said Green. 

Snack kits are the most requested item by each of Start 1 Spark’s four partner schools. Each partner school has over 60% of its students receiving a free breakfast or lunch so students likely don’t have additional food to sustain till game time. 

“Middle schoolers are constantly hungry as they are in a high growth period at this age,” explains Amber Lancaster, Start 1 Spark’s Executive Director. “Their bodies need lots of food to support their development.” 

This fall season, a team of four volunteer drivers has delivered approximately 600 snack kits each week to satisfy student-athletes’ hungry bellies. Each snack kit contains a protein, fruit, and chip bag along with an encouraging message written by community members who assemble and donate the snack kits.

“The outpouring of support from the community who assemble and donate every snack kit has been humbling. We have individuals who donate every month, student groups who make kits each semester, and businesses who use the program as a teambuilding activity. It’s a fantastic way for all ages and abilities to support our youth,” shares Lancaster.

Most importantly, the players love the snack kits!

Walter Rivera Trejo, an 8th grader at Salem Church, expressed his gratitude for the snacks (especially the peanut butter crackers!).

“We appreciate it, too,” Walter said. “Lunch is early, so by the end of the school day, we are hungry.”

Fellow 8th grade teammates, Frederick Alverez and Bryan Bautista both enjoy the Cheez-itz’ and Goldfish the most.

Walter, Frederick, and Bryan are all hopeful for this season — despite being frustrated due to their record which consists of many losses. 

“[I want to] improve as a team and win a trophy,” Frederick said. “We've gotten close the past 2 years.”

The boys’ positive spirits are admirable and will hopefully motivate their teammates to work extra hard for that trophy. 

In addition to snacks, Start 1 Spark has provided equipment and gear for players in need of resources. By making sure all the players have everything they need for each season of competition, Start 1 Spark keeps teamwork front and center.

If you are interested in donating snack kits throughout the school year, check out Start 1 Spark’s program on their website here: https://www.start1spark.org/healthysnacks.