Students involved in the new pilot sports program at Pocomoke Middle School pause from skill building and games to meet Worcester County Commissioner Merrill Lockfaw, who represents the Southern District – District One and who championed the idea for the program.

(March 22, 2018) Commissioner Merrill Lockfaw stopped by Pocomoke Middle School recently to witness the positive impact a pilot sports program is having on area youth.

The program, begun in January, provides recreational sports opportunities to more than 90 youth from fourth through eighth grade each Monday through Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the school.

“This is a needed program in the south end of the county,” Lockfaw said. “It’s giving kids a place to go in the evenings after traditional after-school programs wrap up.”

“We are incredibly proud to partner with the county commissioners and the staff from the Worcester County Parks and Recreation Department to offer this program to the young people of Pocomoke,” Superintendent of Schools Louis Taylor said. “I have had the opportunity to see this program in action, and it is clear that not only are the students enjoying the activities, but the Pocomoke community is thankful and excited to have this program for its youth.”

Program participants are currently completing their basketball season, which began with skill building and drills, then progressed to league play. Participants have already been introduced to skill building lessons and drills for the indoor soccer season. Softball and baseball skill-building activities aimed at preparing children for Little League and other team sports will begin later this semester.

“The goal is to expose children to sports and then to serve as a feeder program for the high school,” Program Director Lori Becker said. “It’s not about winning and losing. It’s about learning the games and learning to work together, following directions, and seeing each game through to completion. We want them to gain the skills and confidence to try out for the high school teams when they enter ninth grade.”

Though new, the pilot program has already generated a great deal of community interest, with 10 volunteers who help coach teams and referee the games. Others purchased and donated footwear for youth who needed shoes to participate.

Many of the volunteers were themselves members of similar programs as youth and are now giving back by mentoring and modeling the virtues of positive sportsmanship. Parents, grandparents and teachers are also getting involved by attending league games to cheer on the children.

“I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Pocomoke High School Principal Dr. Annette Wallace and PMS Principal Matthew Record for their persistence in bringing about this program, and to Commissioner Lockfaw for his vision,” Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins said.

The pilot program, which was made possible thanks to a partnership between the county commissioners and the board of education, began with 90 youth and is expected to continue to grow.