San Gabriel Academy has begun an after-school intramural soccer program for its students in grades K-8. The program is coordinated by Principal Dave Gillham and directed by Coach Grant Agadjanian (“Coach A”). More than 75 students signed up for the first six-week class in soccer skills.

“We began the after-school program after receiving a lot of feedback from students and parents about the need for something active for K-8 students to do after school hours,” said Gillham. “With obesity and childhood diseases on the rise as a result of sedentary lifestyles, many parents had been searching for an active athletic program. Often, though, they found that local teams meet, or schedule games, on Sabbath.

“Some parents found opportunities for their children, but often it involved driving long distances on Sundays or after school,” Gillham said. “Some Adventist students unfortunately have migrated to public schools in order to access after-school activities.”

With these factors in mind, SGA began its after-school elementary athletic program. Parents and students reacted positively. “I am excited about the after-school athletic program,” said Marton Medina, the father of four children, including two SGA students, “because it offers opportunity for leadership, teamwork and nurturing Christ-like attitudes toward others.”

“The program is fun because it beats hanging out on the streets," exuberantly affirmed Eric Kumpel, a sixth-grader. "I think it is a factor in keeping kids in Christian schools. "

"It's easier for my mom and dad than finding care for me after school," said Alessa Brown, another sixth-grader. "I wish SGA would offer after-school athletics on the other three days of the week, offering more variety — especially on the long Friday afternoons.”

Sessions emphasize sportsmanship and begin with prayer, according to Gillham. The program is already attracting prospective students and SGA administration hopes the sports program can become a recruiting mechanism for attracting other families to the school. An additional program highlight is the use of high school players as student coaches under the direction of Coach A.

The SGA staff is considering the possibility of expanding the after-school athletic program to include activities such as basketball, volleyball and T-ball.