Stories from the Brotherhood

Impact: Founding Member, Youth Coach

After completing 10 years of service in the Marines, the writer faced a difficult transition into civilian life, struggling with the sudden loss of structure, routine, and the deep sense of brotherhood he had relied on for years. The silence and disconnection left him feeling isolated and uncertain about his direction. What he missed most was the shared purpose, accountability, and trust that came from working closely with others toward a common goal. When he joined Southern Maryland FC, he initially viewed it as just a way to stay active and occupy his time. However, from the very first practice, he felt a familiar energy that reminded him of his military days—teamwork, discipline, and collective responsibility. What started as a simple activity soon became deeply meaningful. Through the team, he rebuilt a sense of community he thought he had lost forever. The friendships he formed brought renewed motivation, confidence, and a powerful sense of belonging. Southern Maryland FC helped him rediscover his purpose and reconnect with the part of himself that had faded after leaving the service.

Impact: Volunteer Coordinator, Community Events Organizer

As a single mom of two boys, I spent years looking for a safe and positive place for them to grow. When we joined SFC, I expected football. What I didn’t expect was a community that welcomed us like family. Coaches treated my sons with respect. Parents supported each other. And I found strength I didn’t know I had.
Over time, I started volunteering—first with snacks, then with equipment, and eventually leading team events. I watched shy kids blossom, boys become leaders, and families build lifelong friendships.
SFC didn’t just impact my children. It transformed me, too. I found purpose again.”

Impact: Senior Striker, Player Mentor

In high school, football was everything to me. But after graduation, life took over—work, bills, family responsibilities. I lost touch with the sport and honestly felt like a part of me was missing.
Joining SFC reminded me of who I used to be and helped me become who I wanted to be again. I regained confidence, discipline, and passion. I got in the best shape I’ve been in in years. More importantly, I found friends who push me, motivate me, and keep me accountable.
Being part of SFC feels like getting a second chance. A chance to compete, to belong, and to thrive.

Impact: Program Director, Coaching Mentor

When we started SFC, I wanted to build more than just a team. I wanted a program where kids could grow into strong, disciplined young adults. Football is powerful—it teaches responsibility, respect, and resilience. Every season, I see players come in unsure of themselves and leave as leaders.
But what surprised me most is how much the club has given me. Coaching these kids, mentoring parents, and watching families unite through sports… it’s become the most meaningful work of my life.
SFC is not just a program. It’s a community movement.

Impact: Team Captain, Youth Leadership Role Model

I joined SFC at a time when I felt out of place everywhere else. I wasn’t the most confident kid, and I didn’t talk much. But the coaches saw something in me before I saw it in myself. They pushed me, encouraged me, and taught me how to trust the team and trust myself.
Football helped me find my identity. I learned how to lead warmups, call plays, and support my teammates. I started getting A’s again in school because I finally believed I could do better.
Now, I want to help younger girls who join the club feel just as confident and supported as I do.

Impact: Sponsor, Community Advocate

I’ve lived in Southern Maryland all my life. When I saw how SFC brought kids off the streets and into something positive, I knew I had to get involved.
I started sponsoring uniforms and equipment, but what I received in return was more than I ever expected. Kids stop by my shop to say hello. Families thank me for supporting the club. And the coaches constantly update me on the players’ progress.
Supporting SFC showed me the powerful impact sports have on our community. This club isn’t just a football program—it’s a lifeline for dozens of families.

Impact: Youth Player & Parent Volunteer

When Riley asked to join SFC, I signed him up thinking it was just another extracurricular activity. But the more practices I watched, the more I found myself wanting to join in.
Before I knew it, I was helping at drills, talking to coaches, and cheering at every match. My son and I became closer than ever. We talk football every night now. We train together. We both feel like part of something bigger.
SFC didn’t just make Riley a better player—it made me a better father.

Impact: Health & Wellness Volunteer

As a nurse, I constantly see kids struggling with confidence, mental health, and physical inactivity. When I discovered SFC, I saw a program that addressed all three.
I began volunteering to help with first aid and wellness training. I watched shy, anxious kids build discipline and courage. Parents came together like a support group.
SFC reminded me why community matters. Here, football is healing in ways medicine alone cannot.

Impact: Assistant Coach, Veteran Mentor

When I left the Army, I battled isolation. The structure I relied on for years suddenly disappeared. SFC gave me that structure back.
Coaching gave me purpose. The players gave me hope. And the friendships I’ve made here have kept me grounded.
Every practice is therapy for me. Every game is a reminder that I’m still part of a team.”

Impact: Youth Player, Parent Community Member

My daughter Jordan is shy. She doesn’t like crowded rooms and gets nervous meeting new people. But SFC changed her in ways we never imagined.
She started opening up, smiling more, and forming friendships. She learned discipline and courage.
For me, watching her grow has been the highlight of my year. I joined the parent group, made friends of my own, and now SFC feels like a second home to us.

Impact: Senior Player, Adult Team Leader

I joined the adult league because I missed the competitive rush. What I didn’t expect was how much the accountability and camaraderie would impact my daily life.
My fitness improved. My mindset improved. My habits improved.
The guys here push each other past excuses and into results. We show up for each other on and off the field.
That’s what makes SFC different—it’s real.

Impact: Parent Volunteer, Community Ambassador

When my family moved from El Salvador, we didn’t know anyone. My son didn’t speak English well, and he felt lost.
SFC became his first home in America.
The kids welcomed him. The coaches supported him. His confidence grew every single week.
Soon he was speaking English, making friends, and smiling again.
SFC didn’t just help him—it helped our whole family feel like we belonged.

Impact: Women’s Team Captain

I joined SFC during my sophomore year of college, hoping to stay active. What I found was so much more.
The women’s team gave me confidence, strength, and courage I didn’t know I needed.
I became more patient, more disciplined, and more determined in school.
And the friendships I made here? They’re sisters for life.

Impact: Defensive Coach, Mentor

After retiring from 25 years in the fire service, I needed something that kept me active and connected. Coaching at SFC gave me a new purpose.
I love helping kids understand discipline and teamwork—values that kept me alive in my career.
These kids inspire me every week.
Football teaches life lessons, and I’m grateful I get to share them with the next generation.