From the time I was four years old I knew I wanted to be a history teacher like my dad (my mom was also a public school teacher).
My sophomore year of college I transferred from Cypress Community College to Azusa Pacific University and played soccer for the first time on their first varsity soccer team.
By the time I graduated from APU I had played four seasons on the Cougar soccer team, had completed a double major in Physical Education and Social Science, and a California State Teaching Credential. At the ripe old age of twenty-three I became the Head Coach for the mens soccer team at my alma mater. During that time I completed my Masters Degree in Teaching (MAT/University of La Verne) and began substitute teaching in the local public schools.
Two life changing experiences occurred during that time. I had a day off from substitute teaching so I went over to APU to listen to a guest speaker, Dr. Tony Campolo. At the end of his speech he asked us to raise our hands if we really wanted to make a difference in the world we live inI raised my hand.
Several months later when I was asked to bring the Cougar soccer team to Mexicali, Mexico over Spring Break I jumped at the chance. We played soccer in the mens prison, boys prison and on a dirt field covered with broken glass. When I asked why the boys were in prison, the answer stunned me, No one cares about themand thus my life course was set.
An important part of that life choice I made that day was to use the worlds sport, soccer, to have a positive impact on children around the world. And though, I never did become a history teacher like my dad, I have never forgotten my parents commitment to public education.
So let me close with these thoughts, one from an elementary school student we impacted, and one from a teacher:
"I was going to join a gang, now I know I can join a soccer gang". An Elementary School Student after a
soccer clinic at his school
"I can saw something all year long to my students, but when a Surge player in uniform comes and says the
same thing, it makes all the difference" . Elementary School PE Teacher, after we conducted soccer
clinics in his PE classes.
Please invite us to partner with you and your students and your community
David F. Irby
CEO, Surge International
Surge partners with Local Schools
June 2009 :: SALEM, OR - The Surge partnered with Swegle and Washington Elementary Schools to bring Sammy's Team on campus this May . . . During PE classes they hosted action packed soccer clinics to teach soccer skills and to instill values of respect, integrity and teamwork.
Soccer Players serve as Mentors at Local Schools
They're not only great soccer players, they're also great guys . . . The players have served as excellent role models to students by reading with them, by helping them solve math problems, and by being friends in the classroom.
(Click on title for pdf article)
Use the following flyers to advertise school assemblies
Surge International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Copyright 2009, All rights reserved
