Dodgers Dreamteam fosters enjoyable and friendship in East Los Angeles

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by Erin Edwards

For Giovanni Garcia, teaching Dodgers Dreamteam within the City of La Puente is about way more than instructing younger athletes the best way to hit, discipline and run the bases. It can be about creating an atmosphere the place each baby feels supported, linked and a part of a group.

From main warmups to providing encouragement after a hard-fought recreation, Coach Giovanni brings vitality and care to each second of the season.

After his group battled again throughout its remaining regular-season recreation, he made positive the gamers understood what they’d completed. His message was clear: have fun the progress, maintain working and proceed displaying up for each other.

“I’m really proud of you guys,” he informed the group earlier than turning their consideration to the upcoming playoffs.

That sense of belonging is central to the Dodgers Dreamteam expertise. Rooted in baseball and softball, this system helps younger individuals construct social and emotional expertise, develop optimistic relationships with friends and join with caring grownup function fashions.

“I think this program is amazing,” Garcia stated. “I’ve seen it work for me. I’ve seen it work for other kids.”

Garcia believes this system’s impression is feasible as a result of everybody concerned shares a dedication to creating a distinction.

“The way that this program is run, whether it’s the coaches or the organization, I really do think everybody feels like they’re part of the team,” he stated. “Everybody wants to make a difference, from top to bottom. I couldn’t ask for a better organization to be a part of.”

For the younger athletes, being a part of Dodgers Dreamteam means studying the sport whereas forming friendships and creating recollections.

“My favorite part about being on the Dreamteam is getting to know everyone,” one participant shared.

“My favorite part is actually having fun with the other players,” one other participant stated. “I have tons of friends here.”

Those experiences replicate what Dodgers Dreamteam is designed to offer: a protected and welcoming place the place younger individuals can play, develop and really feel linked.

All individuals obtain free uniforms and entry to baseball and softball gear, serving to take away monetary boundaries to participation. Through partnerships, households are additionally linked with instructional sources, well being companies and fundamental requirements that may contribute to more healthy life outcomes.

As Coach Giovanni and his gamers ready for the playoffs, the thrill surrounding a potential championship was plain. But whatever the remaining rating, the group had already achieved one thing significant: confidence, a love for the sport and relationships that maintain them excited to return to the sector.

For this Dodgers Dreamteam, that’s what being a part of one thing larger is all about.

Visit Dodgers.com/DodgersDreamteam for extra.