Published September 5th, 2018
California Magic Soccer Club wraps-up summer community service projects
Submitted by Megan Shields
Magic volunteering at the Emeryville Citizen Assistance Program.
This summer, three California Magic teams completed community service projects as part of creating magical moments on and off the field. "Being members of the community who are a force for good and add value to others is the ultimate goal we have for our young members. To see our kids already making an impact is the greatest victory that can be earned," said Haris Obic, executive director of coaching.
The 03 Boys spent two weeks in Cuernavaca, Mexico participating in a cultural and soccer exchange. The players collected donations from around Lamorinda for an orphanage that sustained damage in the recent earthquake. Along with soccer and social activities at the orphanage, the boys and coaches made over 300 lunches and delivered them to local hospitals.
The 05 Girls team spent the day volunteering at the Emeryville Citizen Assistance Program. The team and coaches delivered home cooked meals to tent encampments around Oakland and manned the "free market" where ECAP provides donated food to people in need at their facility. ECAP Volunteer Leader Dean Criddle said, "The girls stepped right up and shared themselves generously with the hungry people they served. Perhaps even more importantly, the girls treated each person who received food with respect and compassion."
Representatives from both the 03 Girls and 06 Girls teams visited Mabele Primary School in the Muchenje Village in Botswana, Africa. They spent the afternoon with the students in the classroom and handed out school supplies, games and books donated by friends and family. The players had collected approximately 100 Magic game jerseys from the Magic community, which they donated to the children along with indestructible soccer balls.
Courtney Johnson, executive director of operations, wrapped up the summer activities, "California Magic aims to educate, inspire, and empower. This goes beyond how players can inspire and be empowered on the soccer field. These players represented Magic ideals with pride as they educated, inspired, and empowered those who crossed their paths in life."
Making Magic in Curenvaca, Mexico orphanage.
Making Magic at Mabele Primary School, Botswana. Photos provided



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