In the last week of January 2025, the DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF), in partnership with the DEA Washington Division Operation Engage and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington in Prince George’s County, hosted a dynamic three-day soccer workshop at Nicholas Orem Middle School. The event brought together nearly 60 students—approximately 30 boys and 30 girls—from a local school for an immersive experience focused on soccer fundamentals, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle choices.

The workshop featured expertise from two prominent organizations that traveled to Washington, D.C. On the first afternoon, former Peruvian professional soccer player Aurelio Figari—a long-time DEAEF partner from Miami—coached the students. He shared his extensive knowledge of the game and demonstrated fundamental techniques, inspiring the participants through his dynamic coaching style and evident passion for soccer and inspiring youth. His engaging presence made a strong impression on the students; one even remarked, “I want that Peruvian soccer coach to come back!”

For the remaining two sessions, Coach Tim Summiel from Kensington Soccer Club in Pennysylvania, led the training. DEAEF has partnered with Kensington Soccer Club for several years, and Summiel’s expertise provided a fresh perspective on essential skills such as kicking, receiving, and passing. Over the 3 day workshops, Figari and Summiel ensured the students not only honed their technical skills but also built a strong sense of team spirit and camaraderie.

The workshop also featured valuable input from the leadership of the DEA Washington Division. Community Outreach Specialist Esthela Sandoval and Group Supervisor Tyrone Guyse addressed the students, speaking candidly about the dangers of fentanyl and emphasizing the importance of staying drug free. Their presentations reinforced the workshop’s core message: engaging in positive activities like sports can be a powerful alternative to negative influences.

Feedback from the students underscored the program’s impact. Joselin, an 8th grader, said, “It helped me say no to drugs,” while other students noted that the workshop “made me happy,” “helped me stay healthy,” and even “helped me lose weight and stay active.” One 7th grader described it as “the best program of all,” and another student remarked on how the workshop taught them the importance of having a sport to keep them drug free. Barbyose Noisette, Executive Program Director of Kensington Soccer Club, added, “I just wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for welcoming us to the Boys and Girls Club, PG County, and the DEA headquarters. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with such an amazing group of young people, and I’m especially appreciative of Tim for hosting the sessions. It was an incredible experience, and I’d love to explore more ways we can collaborate in the future. Thank you again for your hospitality and partnership—I look forward to staying in touch!”

Beyond the immediate benefits of improved soccer skills and physical fitness, the workshop served as a critical platform for teaching life skills. The sessions emphasized discipline, teamwork, and the value of healthy choices—a message that resonates deeply with the DEA’s broader mission of drug prevention. As the program concluded, the palpable optimism among the students suggested that they had not only learned the fundamentals of soccer but also the importance of a drug-free, active lifestyle.

The success of this first-time workshop at Nicholas Orem Middle School sets a promising precedent for future DEAEF initiatives in the area. By combining athletic training with essential drug prevention education, the DEA Educational Foundation and its partners continue to create environments where young people can thrive, both on the field and in life.