A Legacy of Service and Soccer
Curbside Ministries recently hosted its sixth annual soccer tournament, a tradition that began more than fifteen years ago and has become a cornerstone of youth engagement in Bowling Green. The event, held on a sunny Saturday at the local community field, brought together dozens of children from across the city for a day of friendly competition, teamwork, and celebration.
Lesley Duke, the executive director of Curbside Ministries, took the opportunity to underscore the organization’s core mission of service. “Community service isn’t just an add‑on; it’s the heartbeat of what we do,” Duke said, highlighting how the tournament serves as a platform to instill values of cooperation and empathy among participants.
Founder Terri Hill Sheldon, who launched the program over a decade ago, reflected on the lasting imprint the tournament leaves on the children it reaches. “Seeing the kids light up as they score their first goal or share a laugh with a new friend reminds me why we started this,” she noted, emphasizing the program’s role in creating memories that endure long after the final whistle.
Former participant Tresor Nishimwe, now a coach, returned to the field to give back to the next generation. “The tournament gave me more than just soccer skills; it taught me leadership, confidence, and the importance of paying it forward,” Nishimwe shared, illustrating the program’s ripple effect on personal growth.
Beyond the pitch, the event has sparked deeper connections among families and volunteers, fostering a sense of belonging that extends into other aspects of community life. Organizers say the tournament’s impact reverberates through schools, churches, and neighborhood gatherings, reinforcing a shared identity rooted in service and sport.