SMU junior Brad Namdar signs soccer balls to promote Dream Big Soccer Camp. (Photo courtesy of dreambigsoccer.com)
For Brad Namdar, junior triple major in applied physiology and sports management, journalism and CCPA, soccer is just this; it is his passion, his dream and his way of life.
Since starting soccer at a young age, Namdar found himself drawn to the sport, and still remains hooked. Namdar has played on both the Player Development League and college soccer teams, coaching youth soccer teams in high school, blogged for The Dallas Morning News with coaching advice for parents, and received a coaching internship with FC Dallas.
“I want to be known as the guy who gave opportunities to other people, I want to be the head coach of the national team and win a world cup,” Namdar said. “I will get there one day.”
Namdar recognized an opportunity to further his dream when he saw the children from Heart House and Vickery Meadows Community.
The children come from a variety of different backgrounds and often cannot afford to go to an expensive soccer camp, receive private coaching or purchase top-quality equipment.
Namdar said he wanted to fix this.
With the help of SMU peers James Parker and Dean Elazab, Namdar decided to sponsor Dream Big Soccer camp.
With over-whelming support from over 20 different student organizations and 250 student volunteers, Namdar’s big dreams have become reality.
Dream Big Soccer camp has one goal in mind, to let kids “dream big.”
On April 10th at Fair Oaks Park, about three minutes from SMU, Dream Big Soccer camp will host its first ever soccer clinic.
Currently, 200 children from Heart House and Vickery Meadows Community will be attending, but with more student volunteers and donations the charity could reach their goal of 300 children.
Each child will receive a soccer ball, camp shirt, camp certificate, discount coupons for soccer gear and other sponsor promotions and prizes, not to mention a day that they will never forget.
Dream Big Soccer’s philosophy is that it is critical for college students to break the status quo by making their mark on society.
For this reason Dream Big Soccer is run and organized exclusively by students who wish to give back to their community.
“It’s a chance to show people that someone cares; being that smile that brightens their day.”
With game day around the corner, Dream Big Soccer camp is preparing for anything and everything.
It still needs help with donations and finding people who are willing to commit one day out of their weekend to make an impact on the children.
“Anything will help from donating a dollar to a million dollars. Anything and anyone can and will help.”
The organization recently published a Facebook group to help spread the word to students.
Since its publishing date, it has gained over 150 different members.
Dream Big Soccer camp currently has many sponsors donating prizes, support and advertising, but still needs more volunteers and donations.
To sign up to donate or volunteer, visit dreambigsoccer.com.
