Game Changers - Soccer Champion Nicholas Shcherbinina
Nicholas joined the Futsal program about four months ago and quickly found his place on the courts. He comes ready to play, motivates his teammates, and has a natural ability to bring people together.
His coach noticed those qualities in him early on. When the energy on the court starts to slow down, Nicho helps get it back up, motivating his teammates and rallying everyone to stay engaged. Along with his strong technical and physical abilities, his ability to get other people excited to participate is what really stands out, and it is a quality that can have a lasting impact wherever he goes.
For Nicho, the appeal is simple. He loves playing soccer and being outside, and having other people to play with makes it even more fun.
“This program has helped make my life better because it has given me the opportunity to be outside and play sports with others.”
His mom found the program and signed him up, giving Nicho an opportunity to spend his time doing something he enjoys while connecting with other young people his age. He quickly made new friends through the program and found a place where his own positive energy can influence the people around him.
“By being in this program, I am able to be outside and exercise by playing soccer. By exercising, I have felt healthier, and I have also met many other participants and created friendships.”
Young people need places where they can move, play, have fun, and spend time with peers. For Nicho, being active has helped him feel healthier, stay out of trouble, and build positive connections. Nicho also recognizes that the benefits of youth sports extend beyond the individual. Having accessible places to be active gives more people the opportunity to develop healthy patterns in life, together as a team.
“This program helps make our community healthier because it gives members in the community an opportunity to go outside and play sports, which is a healthy habit.”
And perhaps one of the most meaningful things Nicho is bringing to the program comes naturally to him - bringing energy to a group when it needs it, encouraging others to join in, and making an activity more enjoyable for everyone are all forms of positive influence that bring communities together.
Nicho came to DSAL for the chance to play soccer, and in doing so, he is showing everyone that being part of a team means more than taking part. It means bringing something of your own to the group - and that spark can be what gets everyone moving.
After just four months of participating, Nicho’s enthusiasm, athletic ability, and instinct to get people excited are already making the courts a more energized and welcoming place for everyone.