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Eagle Scout Proves Scouting and Sports Are a Winning Pair

eagle scout project, sports, soccer
Soccer coaches and players from Kuwadzana No. 4 Primary School in Zimbabwe examine the equipment collected from Sean’s Eagle Scout project. (Photo credit Sean D. / Handout)

When Sean D. of the Three Fires Council was faced with the challenge of organizing an Eagle Scout service project, he wanted to kick the traditional idea of a project up a notch.

By combining his passion for Scouting, soccer, and his family’s roots, Sean spearheaded a project that made a difference to students on the other side of the world.

Sean decided to collect soccer equipment and distribute it to a school in need. His first choice? Send the items to Zimbabwe, where his family is from.

“I didn’t want to follow some of the other local projects,” Sean said to the Chicago Tribune. “I wanted to make a difference in another part of the world.”

Sean’s Boy Scout troop helped Sean by collecting cleats, shin guards, backpacks, uniforms and soccer balls for the project. Troop Scoutmaster Chris Osmond says the troop gave some of the older equipment new life and also raised money to purchase new equipment.

“I am super proud of Sean,” Osmond said. “Soccer is a passion of his. The fact he was able to incorporate soccer and Scouts together was amazing.”

Sean’s project was the only international project out 355 boys who achieved Eagle Scout in the Three Fires Council this year.

“International projects are rare, and even rarer where the Scout actually executes (part of) the project internationally,” said Dave Rypka, Indian Prairie District advancement chairman.

What’s more, Sean’s enthusiasm to share the sport with others didn’t stop once he delivered the soccer equipment. The Eagle also hosted a weeklong soccer camp for the students where he taught technique and game strategy.

Sean’s contributions to the Kuwadzana No.4 Primary School in Zimbabwe was reason for major celebration for the school of 2,174 students. The donated sports gear even helped the school’s soccer team finish runner-up in a 32-team citywide tournament.

Get the full story of how this Eagle combined his passion for Scouting and soccer for his Eagle Scout project by heading to the Chicago Tribune. You can also read why Scouting and sports are a winning combo by visiting Scouting Wire

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Hayley

Hayley Cordaro is a communications specialist at the Boy Scouts of America. She loves sharing inspiring success stories and uncovering new ways volunteers and employees can make the most of their Scouting experience. If you have story ideas or questions, reach out to us at communications@scouting.org.