A local preschool got a visit from pro athletes earlier this week as members of the Texas Outlaws of the Major Arena Soccer League helped deliver over 1,400 bottles of mineral water as part of a local partnership with Tehuacan Mineral Water and Upbring, a nonprofit focused on the wellbeing of children.
This was the second year Tehuacan has partnered with Upbring, which has more than 30 Head Start schools throughout Texas — serving more than 1,400 children — each seeking to provide quality education programs while allowing students to hone life skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and navigating peer relationships.
This year, the Outlaws got involved through their sponsorship with Tehuacan and had the opportunity to impact the community.
“I think between the three organizations, It’s important to partner with communities,” Upbring’s director of public relations and communications, Valerie Villarreal, told The Dallas Express. “Our Cleburne location is kind of in the area where they’re located, so we were trying to create more of a community and awareness within [the community] and building that community with our children and families.”
The team arrived with the delivery at Upbring Head Start Preschool South Fort Worth in Cleburne on Tuesday morning and spent the day touring the school and spending time with its students.
“Everything about our visit was phenomenal,” Brad Namdar, general manager and sporting director of the Texas Outlaws, said. “From the warm hospitality showcased through the welcome signs to kind staff, our team deeply appreciates it. I can’t express enough how thrilled we are about this partnership and how privileged we feel to play a role in providing children with a head start for tomorrow. Partnering with Upbring is an honor we don’t take lightly—its advocacy and impact is second to none. We’re committed to supporting their mission in any way we can and proud to spread awareness of their important work.”
Following the tour, the Outlaws participated in a friendly “scrimmage” with the students, teaching them some basic soccer skills while keeping everyone entertained before lunch.
“The Texas Outlaws visiting our campus to engage in soccer activities and kick the ball around with our children has a profound impact because, to these kids, the players are their heroes,” Wendy Kauffman, regional director of Head Start South Fort Worth, added.
“Parents can now say, ‘Wow, my children had the opportunity to attend school and interact with these professional athletes,’ which ignites inspiration within their homes. This experience encourages them to believe that they, too, can achieve similar feats—urging them to prioritize education and continue their schooling. As parents, they can also consider what steps they can take to help foster that dream. Today’s event leaves us immensely grateful.”