DETROIT (December 23, 2014) – Harrison High School, located northwest of Detroit, is home to a varsity football team that cares about much more than touchdowns. The team’s strength and conditioning coach, Bill Slobin, began a weekly reading program that takes his varsity players off the field and into the classrooms of third and fourth graders to read to them.
A select group pf players, whom Slobin selects based on their academic standing and ability to be away from school for a few hours, visit local elementary schools like Woodview Elementary and read to the kids, while engaging them in conversation. Their purpose is to entertain the kids and speak with them about the importance of education, but Slobin knows the benefits work both ways.
"Unbeknownst to them, they're getting a public speaking lesson without realizing it," Slobin said. "I've seen guys who were on the shy side be more outgoing after doing this a couple times. You see their personality come out and they lose their shyness.”
Slobin, a successful mortgage broker with Mutual Property Management Realty in Farmington, came up with the idea six years ago after speaking with his son about how the librarian used to read Halloween stories to them when he himself was a student at Woodcreek. He wanted his players to become better speakers and know what it feels like to have people look up to them.
"Being around the little kids is fun for them. It's just a very fun, positive atmosphere,” Slobin said, “and it gives them an opportunity to be the coach… to be the leader in a situation.”
Before getting to the fun of having the players read stories to the kids, he always gives a pep talk of sorts, making sure the kids understand that learning is a privilege, and to work as hard as they can. He believes that giving his players the opportunity to teach children, it will help them appreciate the education they are getting and inspire them to do well.
Slobin takes the team to different school in the area, generally on Friday mornings, and has a waiting list of players who want to participate.
“They get mad when they don't get to go. I can't take all of them,” explains Slobin.
This time of year is special for them, as they get to read holiday-relate stories and share in the kids’ excitement about the season. With this program, Slobin is able to teach his players about much more than football, and give local children the chance to enjoy getting to know their local heroes.
Media ContactCompany Name: Mutual Property Management
Contact Person: Derek Fasi
Email:Send Email
Phone: 248-474-6464
Address:33004 Grand River Ave
City: Farmington
State: MI
Country: United States
Website: http://www.mutualpropertymanagement.com/
