SAINT LOUIS SCOTT GALLAGHER
SLSG Launches Women’s Leadership Initiative - Big Sister Program!
Maddie Clark (SLSG 2005 player & Big Sister) with SLSG 2008 Spain players after team training
This month Saint Louis Scott Gallagher officially executed on the long awaited Women’s Leadership Initiative - Big Sister Program. The motto, “If she can see it, she can be it” is driving the newest program and has already had an impressive impact on SLSG’s youngest players.
Missy Bruno, an SLSG 2015 coach, said her players were all smiles when their Big Sister arrived at practice one evening. “Carlye [Bennet] was super sweet and energetic. The girls loved her!” Twelve older players, such as Carlye, were assigned to younger teams throughout the club in the month of October, all in an effort to increase the number of female role models the youth of SLSG can look up to each day.
Carlye Bennet (SLSG 2006 player & Big Sister) with 2015 Reign post practice
SLSG Girls Program Director Scott McDoniel feels that the Big Sister Program will absolutely lend a hand towards achieving the club mission. “This program is important on many levels. I believe that connecting the older and younger players in the club can be inspiring for all involved. The younger player can learn from the older player and look up to and try to emulate them. And at the same time the older player learns about leadership, selflessness, and the art of communication and coaching.”
Langley Mayers (left) and Zoe Cuneio - 2005’s - chat with 2011 Arsenal players (Coached by Caitlin Kauffman) during their question and answer session as part of The Big Sister Program
The Leadership Initiative is an inclusive program and over thirty girls from U15 and older have volunteered to work with younger teams in the club this season. “The willingness to give extra time and energy to the club that these girls have shown, is inspiring in and of itself!” exclaimed Lauren Nuelle, another SLSG coach and founding member of the Women’s Leadership Initiative. “Between the Give Back Program and now the Big Sister Program, I’m really encouraged by the direction and feel of the Girls Division. And I believe there is going to be an awesome connection between older and younger players that will only enhance the experiences our young girls have in the club!”
Nicolle Emert - SLSG 2004 & Big Sister - with 2014 Royals
“Some of the young ladies who have volunteered to be Big Sisters are amazing humans.” said SLSG Coach Kelsey Dinges. “People, like Maddie Clark, will have an impact on these young players beyond a training session or Q&Ar speech. Sharing their experience will impact someone for life.” Coach Kevin Werner, 2008 Spain, was willing to share feedback from his player, Reese Bonastia, whose feelings were shared by several of her teammates after Maddie Clark visited one evening. “Monday night was a fun experience with Maddie, I really enjoyed hearing all about her story and her soccer journey through the years. I also really enjoyed the drills she gave us and look forward to seeing her more. After hearing her story it really encouraged me to work harder at practices and on my own to become a better player.”
The young players are not the only ones having fun with the new Big Sister opportunity. Claire Nieroda, SLSG 2007, felt like working with the young girls in the club just confirmed the fact she would like to go into coaching. “I have always liked working with younger kids, and this opportunity gave me a chance to really see what it would be like to coach players at SLSG, plus it was so much fun!”
The Big Sister Program will continue throughout the Winter and Spring Season. If you are a coach or manager in SLSG Girls Division and are interested in a Big Sister visiting with your players please contact Scott McDoniel - smcdoniel@slsgsoccer.com.
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