Free on-site sports camps and professional coaching are provided to fourth- through-sixth-graders enrolled in the Ceres Unified School District’s After School Education and Safety (ASES) program thanks to a new partnership with Turlock Sports Park, Inc.
The program is offered at all 14 of CUSD’s elementary campuses.
Reid Volk, coordinator of Educational Options for CUSD, said because there many students in ASES, the district wanted to start “trying to find the best way to channel their energy in a positive way. This is only the starting point. We want to build up this partnership for years to come.”
CUSD partnered with TSP after the two sides met at the Expanded Learning Fall Summit in November at the Stanislaus County Office of Education.
“I know they do great things at their facility,” Volk said. “I met them before December to see if we could take what they offered and bring it to our elementary school sites. We’re just thrilled about the partnership.”
Volk, who lives in Turlock, witnessed firsthand how TSP has changed the lives of youngsters after watching his daughter partake in their basketball training.
“I saw the way they were building up her confidence and positively rooting for her. They’re doing the same thing for the students of Ceres Unified.”
Turlock Sports Park’s aim is to build confidence and offer experienced coaching, daily sports trainings, physical activities, and mental health for free to all students.
“It’s a big operation TSP has taken on,” Volk admitted. “They have the same vision. They’ve also focused on building positive character traits. We also want to train these kids to be strong, productive members of the community.”
The camps run five days a week from 3:30-5 p.m. when ASES is in session.
“All of the coaches go to all of our elementary sites. The kids are getting access to expert coaching free of charge, which is amazing.”
Soccer is currently being offered.
Intramural games are slated to be held today and Friday at 4:30 p.m. at Hanline Elementary.
“It culminates with the schools playing against each other. The parents are there cheering on the kids. It’s really amazing.”
Basketball and football will be offered in the spring and fall, respectively.
CUSD is the first district in the area to partner with TSP.
“All the feedback we’ve gotten back from parents and kids has been overwhelmingly positive. They absolutely love this. That’s what matters.”
CUSD plans to offer camps and coaching through TSP at its middle school sites during the 2024-25 school year.
The district is also considering partnering with Turlock Sports Park during the summertime in the near future.
“We want to shine a light on this. We think of our ASES program as an important community resource. We’re excited to grow that.”
