Smart Guy Rob Smith Honored by the JT Dorsey Foundation

We are proud of 'Smart Guy' Rob Smith, Vice President of Soccer Development and Relations for the Philadelphia Union who is being honored this week by the JT Dorsey Foundation with a 'Service Through Soccer' Award for his hard work in the community.  Smart guys give back!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22, 2011

PHILADELPHIA UNION VICE PRESIDENT ROB SMITH AND HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS OWNER ERIC PETTIS RECEIVING ‘SERVICE THROUGH SOCCER’ AWARDS FROM THE JT DORSEY FOUNDATION DURING THE AUGUST 24^TH  MATCH BETWEEN THE TEAMS IN HARRISBURG, PA

Harrisburg, Pa. – The JT Dorsey Foundation’s 1st Annual JTDF Service through Soccer Award will be presented August 24th during a halftime ceremony at the Philly Union vs Harrisburg City Islanders game to Eric Pettis of the Harrisburg City Islanders and Rob Smith of the Philadelphia Union, in honor of their impactful work with young people and their communities. 

The JT Dorsey Foundation is committed to providing opportunities to expose youth, particularly those who have limited resources and services, to soccer and the positive youth development skills that come along with team sports and cooperative activities.  The organization firmly believes that soccer can be a developmental vehicle for life, and this experience is enhanced by the role models and dedicated coaches who graciously volunteer their time and services to help young people learn the sport and all of its life lessons. 

Two such role models are Eric Pettis and Rob Smith who have worked with and supported the organization since its inception. Rob and Eric have both provided opportunities for JTDF youth to attend both Union and Islander games and have provided equipment, resources and community partnerships to allow participants to learn valuable life skills while playing, coaching and officiating the game of soccer.  Rob and Eric’s involvement has model team work, good sportsmanship, and philanthropy to the teens participating in the JTDF, their families and their communities.

From its inception, the JT Dorsey Foundation has run on the core belief that every child, regardless of their origins or station in life, has potential and promise.  “Having community leaders support this belief and reach out again and again, year after year, asking what they can do to support youth development through soccer has allowed this program to grow so rapidly in a short amount of time.  Last year we served over 700 young people, exposing them to soccer and all of its life lessons.” Said JT Dorsey, founder of the organization.  “Rob and Eric not only support us with resources, they attend the events, meet the young people and make them feel valuable.  This award is a way to show them (Rob & Eric) how valuable they are to us and the young people in our communities.”

The awards will be given at halftime of the Union v. Islanders match on August 24^th.  The match will be the Union’s second appearance at City Island, after playing to a 1-1 draw on July 27, 2010.  The Union (www.philadelphiaunion.com) is expected to bring their full squad to the match, which will be a great treat for fans that support both organizations.  All tickets for the match, youth and adult, will be $15 general admission. Ages 3 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at www.cityislanders.com or by calling 717-441-GOAL. Tickets will be limited; purchasing in advance is strongly recommended.

About the JT Dorsey Foundation:

The JT Dorsey Foundation currently offers programs for youth ages 5-16 located in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York, Pennsylvania.  The JT Dorsey Foundation provides key youth development services that are lacking, but necessary, to underserved populations in those areas.  The JTDF model contains programs that address children and adolescent’s academic, physical, character, social and emotional needs. www.jtdorsey.org

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'Smart Guy' Workshop Launch

Join the movement...
I am excited to present our first 'Smart Guy' workshop for young people this week, January 12th, in Lancaster, PA. (click here for more information) I am working with my friend JT Dorsey from the JT Dorsey Foundation and 'Smart Guy' workshop co-developer Nicole Sanders of Sanders Consulting LLC.

This year I will be launching my company which will focus on: youth development through sports, education and health. I knew that I needed to give back and help others, because to whom much is given, much is expected. Stay tuned for projects, appearances, workshops and exciting collaborations coming up this year.


A special thanks to Puma Football and 5001 Flavors for coming on board as sponsors of this first 'Smart Guy' workshop. I am starting a movement, who wants to join me and celebrate the smart guys and girls in our world?

Zach
A Smart Guy

Team Work

Choosing to be smart is an individual decision but success has a lot to do with team work and support. As my friend JT Dorsey of the JT Dorsey Foundation says, "part of being smart is knowing how to ask for help." We are proud to announce that Puma Football, a long time supporter of mine, has joined the 'Smart Guy' movement and is supporting our January 12th 'Smart Guy' workshop in Lancaster, PA. Puma Football is donating gear and equipment and helping spread the word about this movement. Thanks to Puma for being a team player and supporting the holistic development of young people. 

Zach

A 'Smart Guy'

Why I chose to be a Smart Guy: JT's Story

Being a smart guy wasn't easy. I made the commitment to be a life learner. The emphasis on book knowledge was not stressed in my neighborhood growing up. You had to have street smarts. Street smarts is very important but you have to have book smarts too. Book smarts give you opportunity. Opportunity to make progress in your life. To get into college, you need book smarts. To survive your neighborhood, you need street smarts. If you combine the two you get a well rounded individual, poised for success.
Life is a bunch of manipulations. Everyone is trying to get what they think is "best for them." If you have street smarts and common sense you can stay away from the negative manipulations from peers and negative pressure's from the world. You mix that with book smarts and you can pass tests, like the SATs, and create a good essay to get into college. Book smarts help you know enough to read things clearly and understant to avoid getting manipulated by credit card companies and other negative things in the world.
It's a cliche, but knowledge IS power. The power to control your own destiny. Without it, you are a puppet and others pull your strings. With knowledge and power, you are the puppeteer and you pull the strings. Get educated, be smart, and control your life. I did.
Peace,
JT
Another Smart Guy

JT earned a scholarship to Loyola College in Maryland where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a certificate in Special Education. JT is currently completing his master's degree in Education Administration at Temple University. JT has worked tirelessly in his career as an educator on behalf of special education students, believing that all young people have the potential for success and greatness, despite labels that might imply otherwise.

JT is also the Executive Director and Founder of the JT Dorsey Foundation, a non-profit, youth development organization that provides key services that are lacking, but necessary, in inner city Pennsylvania communities. For more information about JT's foundation go to www.jtdorsey.org .

Smart Guy