Bobby Warshaw, #16

Midfielder

The biggest contribution to the community that I have found is to say "yes.”  Whenever someone asks for help or needs you to participate, it's important to take an active role and say "yes.”  Energy and participation breeds more energy.  The simple use of the word, beyond the value of actually providing the help, puts a little more energy in everyone's step.  With things as small as your parents asking you to do the dishes, answering "yes" will give you the spark to actually do the dishes and put a smile on your parents' faces.  With our sporadic schedule during the season, it is tough to create a regular series of participation.  As a result, I make sure to always say "yes" whenever someone asks for help, big or small.

Service within the community is important because it gets you to be around and enjoy other people.  Any time that a person can be with people and working together, he should jump on it right away.  Being part of a community or team is a special thing.  The ups and downs, the triumphs and adversities that you experience with teammates is a unique feeling.  There is a special joy in working with other people.  The combination of being part of a team and adding to the community is an incredible opportunity.  It is not always about specific projects.  It is about people.  Service brings people together. 

Ugo Ihemelu, #3

Defender

Honestly, I didn't do any service as a kid that I recall.  Service wasn’t emphasized in school or in my community like it is today.  I am amazed at the volunteer opportunities open to kids these days.  I wish that it had been a bigger part of my childhood.

I really enjoy kids and of course soccer so any time I can volunteer at a clinic or to coach, I enjoy the interaction through sport.  You can reach so many people through sports.  You just need a ball and you can lift spirits.  I, also, enjoy volunteering in a project called Gear Up.  We collect used soccer equipment and distribute it to kids that are in need.  Finally, I am involved with the UN Foundation and their Nothing But Nets initiative.  Nothing But Nets raises funds and awareness for malaria prevention in Africa.  I am from Nigeria so this effort is close to me.  I am hoping to work more with the program in the next few years.

I feel good when I am serving others through my time and talents.  I am lucky to be playing my favorite sport as a professional athlete and I want to share that with others.  Service is infectious - the more you serve, the more others around you will serve.  What greater gift is there than to inspire others and help people?

Daniel Hernandez, #2

Midfielder

I host an annual free soccer clinic in my hometown every December.  I also help fundraise for various projects.  I am the Ambassador for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.  My brother suffered a spinal injury from a car wreck years ago and I have devoted many hours to raising awareness for spinal cord injury research and rehab.  I like to be involved in projects that I have a personal connection to.

I am fortunate to be living my dream of being a professional soccer player.  I owe it to the community to give of my time and talents in any way possible.  If we all volunteer and commit to serve our community, we’ll be able to help so many more people less fortunate than us.

Andrew Jacobson, #4

Midfielder

I used to go help cook and serve at a homeless shelter.  When I got to high school, I tutored underprivileged kids.  Now I help support the charity Teammates for Kids.  I also, with my wife, help to rescue dogs in high kill shelters and find them new homes.

I feel very blessed that I have been able to live out my dream and I feel that every kid should have the same opportunity no matter what situation they are in.