A group of Sarasota High School varsity and junior varsity football players recently swapped their cleats for a different kind of game, spending afternoons at the Senior Friendship Centers’ Sarasota Activity Center.
The athletes joined older adults in activities ranging from pool and ping‑pong to dancing and the tile‑based game Rummikub, creating a lively exchange of stories and shared interests that stretched beyond the typical locker‑room chatter.
During one visit the players surprised the seniors with individually wrapped bags of cookies, a small gesture that sparked smiles and gratitude among the residents.
Voices from Both Sides of the Table
Hudson West, the team’s quarterback, described the seniors as welcoming and kind, noting they eagerly shared their own histories and experiences. Connie Rugala, a longtime member of Senior Friendship Centers, praised the players for their respectful and challenging demeanor, saying the friendly competition added a fun twist to the day.
Some players lingered after the scheduled games, choosing to extend conversations and deepen the connections they had begun, underscoring the voluntary and heartfelt nature of the visits.
Building Leaders Through Service
The initiative was organized by Michael Magliocca, a student board member, through Urban Edge — a mentorship program founded by former college football coach Urban Meyer. Urban Edge seeks to develop leadership, communication and life skills among local high school student‑athletes by engaging them in community service.
The World Health Organization reports that intergenerational contact reduces ageist attitudes and builds empathy worldwide, a finding that resonates in Sarasota County, where 38 percent of residents are age 65 or older. Dr. Mitch Rouzik, an Urban Edge board member and vice president at New College, highlighted the mutual learning opportunities created when generations meet, emphasizing the program’s role in fostering understanding.
Beyond the immediate joy of shared games, the visits illustrate how athletic teams can become catalysts for community cohesion, offering young leaders a tangible lesson in empathy that extends far beyond the field.