Local Community Service Learning

St. Mary’s has a long-standing relationship with our local branches of the Boys & Girls Club. It is our goal to develop community and provide opportunities for the students from both of our organizations to join together for educational and play-based activities.

This spring with the generous support of the Los Angeles Chargers, St. Mary’s was able to host an NFL Play 60 training event. Students from the Boys & Girls Club, St. Mary’s football coaches and spring football academy came together for an afternoon of football and camaraderie . Grade 8 student, Evan Leddy commented, “It was rewarding to see all of us come together because of athletics and help each other.”

Members of the Chargers Youth and High School Football program led football drills, including “Justin Herbert’s Elusive Escape” and “Keenan Allen’s Receiver Relay.” Groups of students moved from drill to drill as they trained just like the pros.

Nicole Watson, Associate Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley shared, “The Play 60 clinic taught Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley (BGCCV) members football skills through a variety of different exercises. The Play 60 team recognized youth for being team players and challenged youth to give it their all. Thank you to St. Mary’s for coordinating this remarkable opportunity for our members.”

Based on the feedback and success of this event, we are looking forward to more opportunities in the future to support the Boys & Girls Club and partner with the Los Angeles Chargers.

by Kim Dzwonkowski Outdoor Curriculum Coordinator, Early Education