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Press Release

Soccer, Life Lessons Abound for Philadelphia Urban Youths

Independence Blue Cross donates Starfinder lesson to the Isaac A. Sheppard School



Joel adjusted his yellow pinny before blasting through the opposing team with his dribbles, kicks and turns. He and sixteen of his classmates at the Isaac A. Sheppard School were fast becoming pros in the techniques of soccer – and the art of chasing after errant soccer balls.

For the 17 second- and third-graders, it was an hour of soccer melee – boisterous fun that was a reward for good behavior. But the students were doing more than playing soccer; they were learning life lessons on the importance of positive attitudes, strong characters and personal relationships in their academic and personal lives.

Independence Blue Cross donated today's one-hour soccer lesson with Tony Williams, president and founder of the Starfinder Foundation, a youth organization that uses soccer as a way to encourage moral character, academic excellence and a positive approach to life.

“The soccer lesson was an enjoyable way for Independence Blue Cross to maintain its close relationship with the Sheppard School,” said Joseph A. Frick, IBC President and CEO.  “The Starfinder Foundation has an excellent record of motivating students to live up to their potential and become active, contributing leaders in the community. We’re delighted to be a part of this event to give the kids a chance to learn about soccer, about life and have fun in the process.”

For half the children in the afternoon lesson, this was the first time they have ever touched a soccer ball. With each lesson and skill-building game, shrieks of “I can’t do it!” were replaced by a joyous “I did it! I did it!” But soccer wasn’t the only thing on the agenda. When asked what he got out of the afternoon, 7-year old José answered, “I learned that when people fall, you help them and encourage them.”

It’s a lesson that Tony Williams hopes will last a lifetime. “Soccer is just a hinge that could open the door of opportunity,” said Williams. “Children are like human clay - the earlier we can work with them, the easier it is mold and shape their attitudes and values.”

“We structured the event so that it was a reward for any boy or girl in grades two and three who earned it; to show the children that people appreciate cooperation and good behavior,” explained James Otto, principal of the Sheppard School. “This was a wonderful opportunity for the children to prove to themselves that they have talents for things that they haven’t discovered yet.”

For over a decade, IBC has been a corporate sponsor of the Sheppard School – a 98% poverty-level school. IBC offers additional support through Philadelphia Reads, beautification projects, and other programs to provide the students with academic and social support. Each year, IBC donates over 400 individually-selected, wrapped and labeled Christmas gifts to every student at the Sheppard School through its Giving Tree program. IBC also provides winter coats to about 200 students every winter.

The Starfinder Foundation is a dynamic youth organization utilizing soccer as a vehicle for children's personal growth and development through recreation and education.

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.5 million people.