Pure Game has transformed lives of countless children since it’s founding in 2009. One of Pure Game’s original program participants, Octavio, is now a Field Champion. In this interview, Octavio shares his journey with Pure Game and important life lessons he’s learned.
Q: When did you get involved with Pure Game?
A: “About 4 years ago, I was 24 years old.”
Q: You’re never too old to learn life lessons from the game of soccer!
A: “Certainly! I thank my brother for introducing me to Pure Game. He asked me to go with him to a session at Jerome Park where Pure Game had an ongoing program for youth. One thing lead to another and I soon became involved with Pure Game.”
Q: How long did it take you to become a mentor?
A: “Not very long. I was both a participant and a mentor when I started with Pure Game. I started as a participant. The children in the program really gravitated toward me and eventually Pure Game’s founder, Tony Everett, asked if I’d like to become a mentor.”
Q: What was the process to become a Field Champion/Mentor? How much time was involved?
A: “It was a six-month training process. During this time, I shadowed Tony as he was running most of the programs. I listened to the lessons he shared and learned how he delivered the messages through soccer to the kids and other mentors.”
Q: Is there a time when Pure Game taught you beneficial life lesson?
A: “I was working closely with some of Pure Game’s school programs and I began to wonder why kids would often gravitate toward me and loved being around me. It was not until my involvement with Pure Game that I was able to answer this question more precisely. Throughout my involvement with Pure Game, I noticed a lot of kids did not have their fathers in their lives or one who provided a positive influence.
I had a father who was there but at the same time was not there for me on a consistent basis. A lot of the kids in Pure Game’s programs look for a male figure, especially the younger boys. The more I became involved with Pure Game, the more I began to find my life’s calling.
I dropped out of high school at the age of 14 and I was working various jobs. For me, I felt a void in my life, something inside of me that I could not fulfill. I attribute my experience and journey to Pure Game in finding my niche and where I want to be in life. Pure Game has given me a sense of purpose in so many ways and I look forward to continuing my growth.”
Q: If you were to describe Pure Game with one word, what would it be?
A: “Hope. The program gave me hope in my own life and now I try to instill hope in others.”
Q: Do you feel that Pure Game’s principles set a strong morale in your life?
A: “Part of what is so rewarding about being a mentor is the direct influence that you have. We get to monitor these kids when they’re on the field and we see how each of them learns the techniques and principles that we teach. The kids are able to take those lessons and apply them to their daily lives at home, school and with other peers. We’re trying to create leaders in everyone involved. These kids are our future and every kid deserves a chance at earning success in life. Hopefully some of these kids will become mentors and start a ‘’chain reaction’’ of hope.”
Q: Tell me a bit about the Encouragement Ball.
A: “For me, the Encouragement Ball is an excellent icebreaker for the kids. Many of our kids often have little-to-no motivation. One time I gave an Encouragement Ball to one of our middle school-aged boys. The words on the ball made him light up with a positive vibe. The boy told me that he was often picked on for his weight and it made it difficult for him to go to school and wake up each day. When he touches the Encouragement Ball and reads the kind words of his peers, he feels like facing each day with a positive attitude. The young boy told me how he has always felt special and that it’s nice to hear feedback from others. I’m a big fan of the Encouragement Ball!”
Q: Pure Game prides itself on its STAR program. What is involved in the Star Program?
A: “We have two types of STAR programs: “The first STAR program is for 5th grade and younger and the other is for 6th grade and older.
STAR stands for Stop, Think, Act, and Reflect.
We ask them to stop and reflect on an activity they are involved with on the field. We teach them to think about specific consequences and talking through certain issues before causing harm to themselves and others. When each kid makes a good choice, it drives him or her to succeed overall. These skills help kids see what is working to benefit them as they continue throughout their young lives.”
Wondering just what kind of impact Octavio has had in the lives of children? Click here to read a letter from a 6th grade student who was mentored by Octavio.
Want to support Pure Game’s Field Champions? For as little as a $7.48 monthly sponsorship, you can provide mentors that will transform the lives of children. Click here to show your support. free slots sounds