Blue Sharks

This morning I went to Atlanta Youth Academy to meet a gentleman named Tom Elias. AYA will be one of UFC's main partners and already has some Saturday soccer games going. Tom Elias is the creator/ visionary of the UFC. We didn't a chance to talk about many things but We did resolve that he was the one that put together the strategic plan for UFC.

Anyways, when I got to the fields most of the teams had already played but there was on game left. Tom told me I should coach them. I was a little hesitant but I gave it a whirl and it was so fun and refreshing. The team was named the BLUE SHARKS and the kids are just so cute and fun. It was both girls and boys of ranging ages that participated. It reminded me of the days when I played back at their age. The parents were watching from the stands and were cheering their kids on. Every kid had proper equipment; cleats, shin gaurds, socks. And their t-shirts said "FCA Soccer" on them! I also learned today that AYP stands for Atlanta Youth Project. I don't know much else about it, but I know that it was started by the same people AYA was.

It was awesome find out what is going on in the inner city with soccer already. It seems as if I won't be starting from ground zero and I am excited to partner with the folks that have the same vision and heart for this ministry. Tom and I will hopefully be able to meet up soon and put our heads together. The BLUE SHARKS were tied at half but we lost 4-3...bummer.