Junior Coaches Academy Graduates Keep it in the Family
(9-15-06) BOSTON, Mass. - Siblings eighteen-year-old David Rustin and sixteen-year old Cynara Rustin from Mattapan have a variety of interests. A recent graduate from Newton South High School, David Rustin enjoys participating with his step team. Cynara Rustin, a sophomore at Minuteman Regional High School, enjoys reading and playing basketball. However, the one thing they both have in common is their commitment to their communities and their involvement in the Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University�s Junior Coaches Academy (JCA) program.
The JCA is one of many youth oriented programs of Urban Youth Sports at Sport in Society. The purpose of JCA is to provide sports related opportunities for students in grades nine to 12 and skills for effective coaching. Graduates from the program participate in two weeks of training to strengthen leadership skills and participate in various discussions surrounding sport and society. In addition to completing the training, participants are required to complete 30 hours of volunteer service.
Older sibling, David Rustin was a volunteer with his basketball league and with the Just Run program. Just Run is a program co-sponsored by Sport in Society, Northeastern University�s varsity athletes, and Northeastern University physical therapy students. This program enables youth and teens with and without disabilities to participate in sports together.
Cynara Rustin volunteered with the Double Dutch League of Massachusetts and coached double dutch at the Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester. �Being able to teach others how to double dutch is something that I enjoying doing,� said Cynara Rustin.
�I am proud to be part of such a great program and watch as each student demonstrates tremendous leadership in their communities,� exclaimed Tracey Britton, the director for JCA has had the opportunity to witness the development of the 30 JCA graduates.
JCA participants are also exposed to the sports they may not typically participate in during their two week training. For David Rustin , the sport of rowing was a new experience.
�Being able to row on the Charles River was something that I would not have done if I had not attended the academy,� said David Rustin.
After completing the program, JCA graduates are guaranteed employment within the city of Boston and are able to implement the lessons learned during the training. David Rustin is spending his summer at Mattapan Summer Basketball Camp. Cynara Rustin is spending her summer as a golf caddy at William Devine Golf Course through the Caddy Scholarship Program. This initiative is a part of the Boston Youth Fund�s summer employment program.
Through the JCA, youth coaches gain self-confidence, understand their personal motivations, and develop an interest in becoming leaders. Cynara Rustin reflecting on her experience said, �the JCA teaches you how to create a sporting program inclusive for all individuals to enjoy. It makes you think about placing people first and meeting their needs�.
David Rustin and Cynara Rustin agree that this program provided them with alternative summer opportunities.
�The Urban Youth Sports program gets urban kids active and open to different opportunities,� says Cynara Rustin.
�The JCA is an opportunity to be exposed to new things and learn new skills,� says David Rustin.
About the Center for the Study of Sport in Society
The Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University is one of the world�s leading social justice organizations that use sport to create social change both nationally and internationally. The flagship organization located in the heart of Boston, Mass. was founded in 1984 by Dr. Richard Lapchick. Through research, education, and advocacy the center promotes physical activity, health, violence prevention, and diversity among young people and college and professional athletes. Sport in Society�s innovative programs are all staffed by former college or professional athletes and have been awarded America�s most successful violence prevention program by Lou Harris, the Peter F. Drucker Award as the most innovative non-profit program in the social sector, and most recently was recognized by the Boston Red Sox for its dedication and service to the community.
