The Correctional Training Facility hosted a friendly soccer match between staff and incarcerated people, with ESPN catching it all on video.
Events like this are an illustration of two California Model pillars in action: Normalization and Dynamic Security. Normalization seeks to make life inside prison more closely resemble life in the community, while Dynamic Security fosters relationship building and positive interactions between incarcerated people and staff.
“Today, we recognized and addressed the emotional needs and past experiences of our population. We are taking a step forward in creating a supportive and understanding environment,” said Associate Warden K. Binning, who played in the match.
The event was covered by ESPN and will be featured in their documentary on the Spanish-language channel, ESPN Deportes.
Soccer unites staff, population
This match is the first of many planned events to include staff and the incarcerated population in collaborative programming. The Correctional Training Facility aims to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
Staff and incarcerated refereed the match while incarcerated individuals also emceed the game, providing comedic commentary and enhancing the atmosphere. Cheers from the game could be heard all the way to Facility C, highlighting how much people enjoyed the game.
The staff team included correctional officers, administrators, education, and health care staff from the Correctional Training Facility and Salinas Valley State Prison. Staff showcased a unified front in this initiative.
The game was recorded and will be broadcast on the institutional TV network, allowing the entire population to watch.
“This event has been a milestone in showing that the California Model works. Positive interactions between staff and the incarcerated population will result in a healthier working and living environment,” said acting Warden E.J. Borla.
Future holds possibility
The friendly soccer match was more than a game, celebrating hope, unity, and rehabilitation. It demonstrated the potential for sports to serve as a bridge between different worlds, bringing together staff and incarcerated individuals in a shared experience of joy and respect. The success of this event lays a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration, resonating with the core values of the California Model.
Video by Quinn Sheppard, Associate Governmental Program Analyst
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Story submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum, AA/PIO
Correctional Training Facility
Learn more about the California Model on the CDCR website.
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