Jamestown Soccer Coaches Provide Valuable Mentorship For Decades
“I've remained a part of the Jamestown community for so long because it’s amazing seeing all these kids in their adolescence grow into their young adult lives. I’ve been told many times by the kids I coached that I was a significant role model in their lives and I’m glad I can be a positive influence."
One of the biggest reasons the sports program has been able to grow so much over the years is due in large part to dedicated coaches like Cesar Lepe (quoted above). Cesar has been with the organization for so long, his son has gone from youth soccer participant to current STEM instructor at our Buena Vista Horace Mann K- 8 Beacon Site. Individuals like Cesar volunteer their time to not only teach our youth a sport but also provide valuable life lessons and mentorship.
For decades, one of the cornerstones of Jamestown’s impact in the community has been our soccer program which is free to join and provides youth with all necessary equipment at no cost. Whether participating on competitive travel teams, or our middle school girls league, Girls Got Goals, countless youth have stepped onto the pitch to proudly represent the Phoenix!
Even during the most difficult and isolating times of the pandemic, the Jamestown Sports Department, created “Metas Para Atletas,” weekly soccer physical activity challenges to keep our youth moving and connected to their teammates and sports community.
Cesar Lepe and his current team
Jamestown is incredibly grateful to have such a dedicated group of people, who invest so much of their time and energy to provide our youth with a healthy outlet as well as being positive role models in the community.
Thank so much for your support thus far in our 50 Days of Giving campaign. Help Jamestown to continue providing valuable mentorship and free team sports and wellness opportunities for our youth by donating today!
Learn more about Cesar and his Jamestown experience below.
Q: What is your fondest Jamestown memory?
A: My fondest Jamestown memory is when I watched the first team I’ve ever coached turn into a strong group of men and I even saw some of them turn into fathers.
Q: What was your initial introduction to Jamestown?
A: My oldest son, Cesar, started playing soccer with Jamestown Community Center when he was six years old. His coaches left Jamestown and asked if I could be a temporary coach, 16 years later I’m still here and I enjoyed every second.
Q: If you had to tell others what’s the strongest part of Jamestown, what would that be?
A: The strongest part of Jamestown is definitely how they focus all their attention on shaping better lives for the children that attend a Jamestown program. They open opportunities that could change a young person's life in the best way possible.