Bringing Joy to Children One Goal at a Time
Wing Keepers International began as a idea five years ago when I started coaching soccer with Little Rascalz Soccer School. I loved being able to coach kids in a non-threatening, non-competitive environment allowing them to become confident in their abilities while gaining a love for the sport. "What if we could bring this program to less fortunate kids?" This question was constant and persistent on my mind until I decided to take action.
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Why sports? Are they really important to a child? What about basic needs like food and shelter? These are questions I have struggled with as I debated starting this non-profit. After doing some research this is what I found...YES! Sports are important! “Sport can affect a child’s development of self-esteem and self-worth,” explains Dr.Glyn Roberts. “It is also within sport that peer status and peer acceptance is established and developed.” Click here to read the article in it's entirety.
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Another great article states, "...participating in sports can be a helpful way of reducing stress and increasing feelings of physical and mental well-being, as well as fighting against juvenile delinquency, conflict and aggressive outbursts. The point is to keep the body in good health in order to be able to keep our mind strong and clear."
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I think it is pretty evident...sports play a vital role in the healthy development of children. From the previously mentioned article, "Sport is not a privilege of wealthy people. In less rich parts of the world you can see children running for a handmade ball on dusty streets...For them too, sport is an inexhaustible source of inspiration and happiness"
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Aside from the sports aspect of our mission, we hope to be able to provide a vacation Bible school program where kids can learn Bible stories, create crafts, sing songs and play games. They will learn that they are loved by the Creator through our volunteers.
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With our unique location in Imperial Beach, California, the Most Southwesterly city in the US, we are placed just minutes from downtown San Diego as well as Tijuana, Mexico. San Diego has the 4th largest homeless population in the nation. Of that population nearly 20,000 children identify as being homeless. Read about it here. There are 12 orphanages just over the border in Tijuana, Mexico where abandoned and or abused children are taken in. Think of all the children we can reach.
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I am excited to begin this journey of bringing joy to children one goal at a time! Please donate or volunteer today!
