Soccer makes its way into Detroit-area schools through program

Coach Douglas Brigham aims to take kids off couch, put them on field

DETROIT – Soccer is played in over 200 countries around the world. Now the highly intensive sport is making its way into Detroit-area schools through the Soccer for Success program.

Coaches like Douglas Brigham have one goal in mind.

"I wanted to get the kids moving and get them energized, and get them off the couch," Brigham said.

The Soccer for Success program was developed by the U.S. Soccer Foundation in an effort to combat childhood obesity.

The Detroit Police Athletic League champions the cause and has developed teams in 24 schools across metro Detroit.

"What does soccer in particular offer to make it appealing as a sport to get kids involved?" asked Mitch Albom.

"It is high activity, and the kids are definitely going to do a lot of running in this program. Not only that, we have mentoring as well as nutrition," said Brigham. "This is something that these kids can take later on in life and benefit from it. Kids are having a soccer buzz, and the parents are crazy about the program as well."

Whether they're running, passing, dribbling or shooting on goal, the kids are always on the move, but there is one thing that the coach refuses to have on the field.

"I better not see a cellphone in the vicinity," Brigham said. "You know, when you're trying to change the climate and culture, you're going to have some challenges, naturally. The kids know you know, and they know my expectations. They're involved in making the rules themselves, so they are sort of taking ownership of the program."

Taking kids off the couch and putting them on the field, Brigham is coaching a new generation of athletes in the heart of Detroit.

Heart of Detroit