Community-based coaches can play a crucial role in developing character and keeping students engaged in constructive physical activities vs. turning to the streets. A recent GAO report confirmed that despite the important role of coaches, quality coaches are in short supply. Proper coaching increases the chance of better grades, better behavior, healthier lives and longer life due to fitness activity.

Laureus USA has selected Coach Across America as its delivery partner to supply more of these quality coaches in underserved areas.

At a time when state-wide after-school sports programs are suffering because of limited budgets, public-private partnerships like Laureus USA and MBUSA remain key to sustaining vital after-school opportunities. With the help of these CAA coaches, the Greater Miami area will benefit from more opportunities for youth to engage in physical activities and keeps underserved children away from troubles such as youth violence, drugs and childhood obesity.

At the NFL Yet Center at Gwen Cherry Park, the activities kicked off with Player, dealer partners, employees from MBUSA, guests and staff, visiting for an afternoon full of sports activities.

“The positive influence coaches can have on today’s underserved youth is undeniable,” said James Kallusky, director of Coach Across America. “The Greater Miami area is a brand new market for Coach Across America made possible by the generous support from both Mercedes-Benz USA and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA."

Many of the Miami coaches recruited by Coach Across America will be college graduates from the local community such as Milton Lyles, a native of Miami Gardens who recently graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Milton, a member of North Carolina’s men’s lacrosse team, was the team’s top long stick midfielder as a junior. He is now responsible for community outreach with the Dade lacrosse partner programs.

“I see lacrosse as a wonderful tool to shape the lives of young kids from underserved communities,” he said. “I understand sports is a critical component in providing various life opportunities. The culture we create for our players will have a great impact as they grow to become our community’s future leaders.”

Archbishop Curley football

The Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep’s High School varsity football team played its best game of the season with a 37-0 win on the road against the Marathon High School Dolphins.

The Knights rushed for a season high 417 yards on 41 carries. Chris Williams (eighth grade) led the way with 181 yards on eight attempts. Josh Amador (12th grade) and Deronne Ricks (10th grade) combined for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Sam Echavarria (10th grade) rushed for two touchdowns and threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Demitry Georges (12th grade).

Defensively, Curley was led by Daniel Darius (12th grade) with eight tackles and a fumble recovery. Demonte Lumpkin (11th grade) and Darius Foster (10th grade) combined for 10 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.

The Knights football roster: 10th grade: Darius Foster, Samuel Echavaria, Mayer Casseus, Richard Champagne, Anthony Guevara, Marc Guilaume, Marlin Harris, Martin Piquion, David Cenord, Scott Pomare, Juan Mejia. 11th grade: Bryan McDonald, Jeffrey Joseph, Jose Gomez, Kenson Pierre, Delmonte Lumpkin; 12th grade: Wilfred Cadet, Cameron Kerr, Alexis Aguero, Gary Felix, Israel Calero, Theo Desarmes, Joshua Amador, Demitry Georges, Issaccson Innocant, Chris Williams, Daniel Darius, Stephen Mejia, Daryl Trawick, Frantz Bruno, Simeone Fields, Deronne Ricks, Aaron Ashe, McKenzy Momont.