A Commitment to Positive Sidelines
Soccer Club of Oak Ridge (SCOR) has continued to prove that leadership starts both on and off the field. One such instance came when SCOR was recently named the winner of the Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) Sideline Project, a campaign developed in partnership with Soccer Parenting to promote supportive sideline behavior among parents, coaches and referees. SCOR’s commitment to creating a respectful playing environment, and their creative partnership with local Eagle Scouts, stood out as a model of collaboration and community spirit.
“SCOR was inspired to join The Sideline Project when it was introduced by TSSA,” said Elise Morris from Soccer Club of Oak Ridge. “We hoped it would promote positive sideline behavior among parents, coaches and referees, and foster a supportive and respectful environment within our club. This is important for the development and enjoyment of youth sports.”
The Sideline Project
Presented in collaboration with Soccer Parenting, participants in The Sideline Project took a 15-minute online course that emphasized the importance of proper sideline etiquette to improve the youth soccer experience. SCOR had the largest number of members complete the course, and the club received a $3,000 check from Tennessee State Soccer Association as a reward for their high level of participation.
“We are thankful for the clubs that saw value in this initiative and supported it,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of Tennessee State Soccer Association. “SCOR did an excellent job pushing to parents and is a deserving winner.”
Building Community Through Service
After winning The Sideline Project, SCOR used the funds to make an immediate impact in their local area. Recognizing an opportunity to further strengthen community ties, the club partnered with Eagle Scouts in Oak Ridge who were seeking meaningful projects to complete as part of their requirements for the prestigious Eagle Scout Rank and Merit Badges.
One of SCOR’s former players, Elena Vogt, approached the club about revitalizing a heavily used field, which was an old softball infield now serving as a soccer pitch. The Scouts took the lead, independently planning and executing efforts to aerate, overseed and restore the field, helping breathe new life into a vital community resource.
“I think this project has meant a lot to not only Scouts and SCOR but the broader community as well,” Morris continued. “The field we are renovating is in constant use whether from competitive teams or pick-up games. I know the City’s Parks and Rec Department was very happy to hear about this project. They have had struggles in the past keeping up with the demand for soccer fields. They were excited to know two prominent organizations within the city (Scouts and SCOR) were trying to help.”
A Lasting Impact
For SCOR, the initiative embodied everything the club stands for, including community, volunteerism and youth leadership. Several of the Scouts who participated were former SCOR players themselves, eager to give back to the program that helped shape them.
“SCOR is very grateful for this opportunity to partner with an Aspiring Eagle Scout,” Morris confirmed. “We are an organization driven by volunteers, and to work with a bright kid wanting to help aligns with SCOR’s mission. The Scouts really appreciate this opportunity as well. I know several of them were members of SCOR and are happy to pay it back to the program. I think these projects really prove how united this community is. From its organizations to the city, to even the children getting involved. It is amazing to see all of these things come together in this project.”
Leading the Way Forward
Through their dedication to The Sideline Project and their meaningful partnership with local youth leaders, Soccer Club of Oak Ridge is setting a powerful example. When clubs lead with positivity, teamwork and compassion, their impact reaches far beyond the soccer field and into the very fabric of the community they represent.
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