Aurelio Figari and his coaches work with the kids on their soccer skills.
DEA Miami Field Division Partners with DEAEF and Aurelio Figari to Inspire Positive Change in Hollywood, Florida
The DEA Miami Field Division (MFD) Operation Engage recently partnered with the DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF) and Aurelio Figari to bring soccer and life skills to elementary school students who live at the New England Mobile Home Park in Hollywood, Florida.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Aurelio’s journey from playing professionally in the Peruvian League to signing with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the North American Soccer League is a testament to his passion for soccer. After his successful career, Aurelio delved into the personal training world, becoming an international presenter and master trainer focused on promoting mental and physical well-being. Aurelio's dedication led to the creation of his initiative called ”Your Choice A Choice,” where soccer serves as a tool to inspire young kids to see greater potential in their lives and make healthy decisions.
Aurelio Figari
When Gretchen Rovira, MFD's Outreach Coordinator, met Aurelio, she was impressed with his work and introduced him to the DEAEF. The work of the DEAEF resonated with Aurelio's deep-rooted commitment to prevention, a value instilled by his mother, Luzcarime Figari, a Clinical Social Psychologist who founded and runs an organization focused on spreading the message of drug misuse prevention.
The result of this partnership is a six-week life program for 30 elementary school kids who live in the New England Mobile Home Park Residents in Hollywood, Florida. Aurelio and his team of coaches teach life skills and soccer on a weekly basis for six weeks.
“Aurelio and all of his coaches are naturals with the kids. He teaches them soccer skills but also talks with them about teamwork, communication skills, confidence, camaraderie, importance of being courteous and respectful on and off the soccer field and the importance of making healthy choices...”
Colleen Whelan is the Program Coordinator with DEAEF and has visited the program twice where she noticed that the students as well as parents attend the program, play soccer, and participate in the inspirational messages that Aurelio shares.
On one special day, Colleen attended the program and provided remarks on the importance of prevention. Colleen and the students cited the Red Ribbon Pledge, and the kids, parents, and coaches enjoyed a pizza party. The kids received some fun goodies such as inflatable beach balls, soccer balls, cones, and cinch sacks.
“Aurelio and all of his coaches are naturals with the kids. He teaches them soccer skills but also talks with them about teamwork, communication skills, confidence, camaraderie, importance of being courteous and respectful on and off the soccer field and the importance of making healthy choices,” said Colleen. “He is an excellent role model and cares deeply about these kids and their families. It’s easy to tell that the kids and parents have deep respect for Aurelio and the other coaches as well.”
This partnership not only promotes physical activity and soccer skills but also fosters a sense of community and well-being and emphasizes the importance of prevention. Through Aurelio Figari's impactful teachings, the program has become a beacon of positive change for the New England Mobile Home Park Residents in Hollywood, Florida.
Updated Feb 21, 2024
Partnerships, YP