Avenal State Prison’s Facility E population sponsored a youth soccer team, thanks to the recommendation of the school principal.
Principal Mel Albarran works to rehabilitate those serving sentences while helping prevent youth from ending up behind bars.
As head coach for youth soccer team Lemoore Arsenal 07B, Albarran teaches young people teamwork and sportsmanship.
Seeing the benefit of helping youth, Avenal prison’s population rallied to offer support, raising $2,400 to sponsor the team.
The 15-year-old players are at a critical juncture in their social development and choices made now can have lasting consequences, according to organizers. The players come from Lemoore, Avenal, Riverdale, Stratford and Laton.
Avenal prison’s donation will help the youth soccer team purchase new backpacks. The funds are also used to minimize the cost of tournament fees for parents and players.
“I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the sponsorship, which is very much appreciated by myself and the players,” said Albarran. “The smiles on the players’ faces when they receive their backpacks and winter jackets means so much.”
Submitted by Lieutenant James Campbell
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