With soccer, basketball, boxing, and an in-the-works archery program, the Topeka, Kan., Corps’ sports program continues to blossom and serve the community as a ministry of its own.
“Each one of our coaches invests in young people’s lives beyond the hour that they might be in the gym or on the field. They all take the approach that it’s far more than teaching youth to be good athletes. They want to help them develop character and strengthen their faith in the Lord,” said Major Tom McDowell, who leads the corps along with his wife, Major Julie.
Heath Seitz, who attends services at the Topeka Corps, is the youth soccer coach. Prayers are said before and after each game, and every practice is closed with a prayer.
“The kids know the church is always open to them,” Heath said. “The Salvation Army makes a difference.”
About 25-45 students, from kindergartners to those in high school, take to the basketball court several days a week.
“You teach them to put God first, and everything else follows,” said Tony Barksdale, who has coached the basketball program for six years. “We teach accountability, discipline, understanding, and overall being a better person. That is more important than playing basketball. Let them have fun, but character is the main goal, because that is what is going to last.”
John Alcala, who leads the boxing program, has been a coach for 31 years. He currently has 80 registered members, ages 8-20, who are learning how to box and/or compete in boxing six days a week. The Three Shields Boxing Academy has two rings and 19 punching bags, all donated by the community.
Over the years, Three Shields has produced close to 70 multi-tournament champions, including two national champions.
“We encourage Christian-based values. Our coaches are our ministers,” John said.
During monthly family nights, boxing students can bring their families to an evening of boxing-related movies or pay-per-view boxing. Everyone digs into hot dogs, hamburgers, and side dishes.
“Families from different walks of life sit and visit with one another—they never would have crossed paths if not for our boxing program. Some parents have never had get-togethers like this with their kids,” John said.
Major Tom often attends the family evenings.
“It’s the sort of event where it is appropriate to share a brief devotional thought and a prayer,” the major said.
He maintains a relationship of faith with each coach, as well as athletes and their families.
“We make it clear we want to have a Christian message. I realize the best way I can impact these programs is to foster and encourage the faith of my leaders,” the major said. “It begins by establishing your credibility and building trust and relationships with the coaches. And if families are standing right there, we’ll have conversations with them.”
William Sherley, youth ministries coordinator at the corps, also spends time with the coaches, encouraging them in their faith.
“That is how these (sports) programs work best—to simply be present,” the major added.
The soccer program has grown rapidly. It began with eight youngsters and now has about 60 participants, ages 8-15, who play on three teams.
Heath takes the soccer players out for a meal after every winning game. And once a week, he takes them through the corps’ food pantry for a bag of food. Sometimes a child will come to him and say there is no food at their home. In those instances, the corps officers are contacted to assist the family.
“It breaks your heart. We are extending a loving hand to help these kids,” he said.
Heath and his assistant coaches, Manuel and Brenda Bautista, who recently joined the soccer program, oversee as teams play in about four leagues per year and in tournaments during the summer.
“All through life, it’s all about teamwork—it’s about your job, your family, etc.,” Heath said. “The kids on the corps’ teams come together and support each other. It’s a blessing for me to be involved in this program and see how it is changing lives.”
