News>Feature - Commando spotlight: coaching local kids
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Local children line up for drills during soccer practice near Hillcrest Park in Clovis, N.M., Sept. 20, 2012. Airman 1st Class Colby Belisle, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, is just one of several Airmen stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., who volunteer time coaching for the local American Youth Soccer Organization. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Colby Belisle, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, gathers local children he coaches during soccer practice near Hillcrest Park in Clovis, N.M., Sept. 20, 2012. Belisle is just one of several Airmen stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., who volunteer time coaching for the local American Youth Soccer Organization. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal)
A local child positions a soccer ball during practice near Hillcrest Park in Clovis, N.M., Sept. 20, 2012. Airman 1st Class Colby Belisle, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, is just one of several Airmen stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., who volunteer time coaching for the local American Youth Soccer Organization. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal)
by Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
9/26/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- *This feature is the first in a series of Air Commando community volunteer highlights.
As the sun begins to set in the New Mexico sky and the work day draws to an end, Airman 1st Class Colby Belisle, 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, trades his Airman Battle Uniform and boots for coaching gear and heads to Hillcrest Park in Clovis, N.M.
This young Airman, stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., spends several hours per week mentoring kids enrolled in the local American Youth Soccer Organization and teaching fundamentals of the sport.
"I first heard about the organization during my Commando Pride Airman Center courses," Belisle said. "I really wanted to get involved in the community outside of Cannon and put myself into a leadership role I wasn't experienced in."
The electrical and environmental troop expressed his enjoyment for working with kids and mentioned that the training for coaching began back in July.
"I love getting involved in things I enjoy or that I'm passionate about," he added. "Helping out with anything for the sake of merit can take away value from the act. If you genuinely like what you are volunteering your time toward, you're giving back and making the most of your experience."
Belisle grew up playing various sports ranging from soccer to cross country. Looking back, he remembers it being more about having fun with friends rather than "winning at all costs" - an attitude he instills in his players.
"The kids are outstanding and really eager to learn," Belisle added. "The time they spend practicing and during games has a huge impact on their level of confidence and skill development."
When not working in the back shop for his squadron or coaching soccer, the eager Airman makes time for classes at Eastern New Mexico University and also volunteers with the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program.
"I'm always trying to reach certain goals in my life, so I try to be as prepared as possible to deal with situations down the line," he said. "Coaching and teaching youth is a new experience for me but I believe there are lessons to be learned from every opportunity - job related or not."
