Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
Building Stronger Communities One Goal at a Time
This week, host Scott Anderson sat down with Candy Brooks, the Executive Director for El Paso Pride Soccer Association, to discuss how the organization has been championing youth empowerment and community support through soccer. Celebrating 30 years of service, their conversation reveals the profound impact sports can have on individuals and society, especially in times of need.
The Importance of Grassroots Support: Candy Brooks appreciates the diverse tapestry of support that keeps El Paso Pride Soccer thriving. She acknowledges the fundamental roles of parents, neighbors, local sponsors, and coaches, emphasizing that community involvement is the backbone of the organization. With the consistent growth from an initial 100 to now 4,500 young athletes, their story is a testament to the positive ripple effect that comes from a single collective mission - to bring soccer to all, regardless of financial limitations.
Major Partnerships, Fueling Aspirations: El Paso Pride has secured vital partnerships with Colorado Springs Switchbacks, Scheels, and the Children's Hospital, among others, fostering not only a network of resources but also a network of dreams. These alliances offer a safe platform, training, and the necessary equipment to help aspiring soccer players, from those enjoying youth sports to those aiming for professional careers.
Opportunities for Growth and Involvement: El Paso Pride doesn't just stop at providing a place to play; they offer a comprehensive academy for those looking to go beyond high school or club soccer. They also educate parents and coaches, providing invaluable insight into career opportunities within the sports industry. For families unable to afford participation, the club offers scholarships for young talent facing economic barriers.
The organization encourages community members to consider coaching, volunteering, becoming referees, and participating in classes to help them understand and promote the sport. These avenues of involvement strengthen the community's fabric and inspire a healthy, active lifestyle for everyone involved.
Addressing Mental Health Through Sports: During the conversation, Candy touches on a powerful narrative about a young soccer player who became his family's sole provider during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing financial adversity, El Paso Pride stepped in to support by providing necessary soccer gear. The mental health benefits of participating in sports became more pronounced as families sought soccer as a haven from the pandemic's many challenges.
Recognizing that physical health is inextricably linked to mental well-being, El Paso Pride prioritizes creating a sense of community and teamwork. Their endeavors to promote mental health awareness through sports demonstrate why the organization is considered as essential to the community as traditional service providers.
Looking Toward the Future: As Candy reflects on the past 30 years, she envisions more decades of enriching lives through soccer. She beams with pride any time she runs across children wearing their team uniforms, sees club stickers on cars, and hears stories of lives transformed by their programs.
Candy calls for continued engagement and feedback, ensuring the legacy of El Paso Pride for generations to come. Thanks to ARPA grant funding, which awarded them $50,000, they have been able to provide over 140 scholarships, directly addressing the needs of the community during and after the pandemic.