How Youth Soccer Helps Kids Build Character

In his professional life, Birmingham, Alabama resident Ramon Arias owns and operates the Bravo Corporation. In his personal life, the restauranteur enjoys a variety of sports. Ramon Arias is particularly familiar with soccer and its many benefits, as he was heavily involved with his children's youth teams in the greater Birmingham, Alabama area. 

Youth sports offer a multitude of benefits for children. Team sports, and soccer in particular, are especially valuable. They encourage team building, build character, and help young athletes become successful, goal-driven men and women.

Soccer can help build social skills in a way that few sports can match. In order to succeed on the field, players must communicate and work together. Each player has a role to fill and other players to support. Cooperation on the field can translate to improved cooperation off the field, helping to create team players for life.

Youth sports like soccer are invaluable for teaching work ethic and work-life balance as well. Soccer requires practice, and young athletes learn quickly that those who put in the most effort tend to reap the biggest rewards. Though investing time in the sport is important, the additional time constraint helps kids and families learn balance too. Children gain experience prioritizing, and learn to manage their time efficiently.

Southeastern Conference Academic Leadership Development Program

Ramon Arias serves as the president of Bravo Corporation in Birmingham, Alabama, and achieved recognition as the 2009 Franchise of the Year. Beyond his professional obligations, Ramon Arias also maintains an interest in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which directs interscholastic athletic competitions. The SEC Academic Initiative also hosts the SEC Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP).

Created in 2008, the ALDP identifies, prepares, and advances academic leaders for roles within SEC institutions, using a proactive approach that enhances understanding of the challenges and complexities of academic leadership. Goals of the program include coaching academic leaders to think critically and increasing knowledges related to academic leadership in the 21st century. 

The ALDP consists of two components: a university-level development program and a series of SEC-wide workshops. University-level development programs are individually designed by each participating academic institution for its own fellows and other participants. The workshop component includes two three-day workshops held on specific campuses. They welcomes all participants in the ALDP. 

For additional information on the program, visit www.thesecu.com/programs/sec-academic-leadership-development-program.