The Dallas Surf 11G East team is setting the standard for what it means to lead with purpose.
Guided by Coaches Thomas Pollard and Rendell Hendrickson, the girls have made community service part of their weekly routine, volunteering with younger teams and finding ways to give back beyond the field.
The 11G East team’s commitment to mentoring younger players and supporting local families reflects our core value of Unity. Their actions have built a genuine sense of community and shown real selflessness.
Their example reminds us that soccer isn’t just about the results. It’s about the people we share it with and the impact we can make through the game.
💙 Big Sisters on the Field
Each week, the 11G East players volunteer as helpers for a younger team known as ‘the Littles’. They show up early before their own practice to support coaches, run activities, and guide the younger players with patience and encouragement.
Coach Thomas and Coach Mack pair each little with a big, creating mentorship moments that go far beyond soccer. One parent described it perfectly.
“As a mom, it warms my heart to see teenage girls being such positive role models—showing patience, kindness, and genuine joy while helping 5-year-olds fall in love with soccer…The older girls remember every little one’s name. They make them laugh, give them high fives, dance with them, and make each one feel like they belong. My daughter looks forward to practicing every single week knowing the big girls will be there…I know how busy these girls are with school, soccer, and life, so the fact that they choose to show up early to help at our practices means the world to me. I couldn’t ask for better role models for my daughter and her teammates. Though she’s an only child, I often tell my husband that thanks to the Surf 2011 girls, our daughter now has 18 “big sisters.”
For many of the younger players, those small moments have become the highlight of their week — and the older girls are learning just as much in return.
“My favorite part of helping out with the Littles is seeing their pure excitement for soccer. Knowing I’m a role model for them makes me want to be better.” – Lucy #31
“I like helping the littles because I love working with kids and they are so funny.” – Lola #24
Giving Back Beyond Soccer
The team’s dedication to service doesn’t stop when training ends. Each year, they volunteer at Feed My Starving Children, packing meals for families in need around the world. Closer to home, they’ve supported North Texas Feed the Need, preparing and delivering lunches to local families.
These experiences have shown the players that teamwork and leadership go further than the game. They’re learned through helping others and giving back to the community around them.
Through these ongoing efforts, the Dallas Surf 11G team are setting an inspiring example for others in their community. We asked a few of our players what it meant for them to serve. Here is what they said:
“I really enjoyed getting to help others and spending time with my teammates. By packing and delivering food, I know that many people were impacted.” – Gia #13
“Knowing and feeling how people felt after receiving food warmed my heart.” – Paisley #30
Leading by Example
The 11G East team embodies what Dallas Surf stands for — a club that values people as much as players. Through mentoring, volunteering, and simply showing up for others, these girls are learning lessons that will stay with them long after the final whistle.
Their story reminds us that development reaches beyond soccer. It’s about who you become through the experiences you share.
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