Number of Participants: 22
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $3,062
Event Type: Seniors
Activity: Girls Soccer
School: Westwood High School
Date: April 15, 2026
Location:
Westwood High School
Nahatan Street, Westwood
MA
About:
Westwood Girls Soccer is proving that the impact of a team goes far beyond the field—bringing heart, leadership, and genuine connection into their community in a truly meaningful way.
This past season, the team partnered with the Westwood Senior Center to host a special intergenerational event that created lasting memories for both student-athletes and local seniors. What began as a simple idea quickly turned into an inspiring example of how education-based athletics can foster connection, empathy, and community pride.
More Than a Game
The initiative started last summer, when the program set out to create an opportunity for players to engage with a group often overlooked in high school athletics—senior citizens. With the support of Mary Ellen LaRose, Assistant Director of the Westwood Council on Aging, the team organized a two-hour lunch at the Senior Center.
Over pizza, pasta, and salad, players and seniors shared stories, laughter, and a mutual love of soccer. Many seniors reminisced about their own playing days, while student-athletes listened, learned, and connected in a way that transcended generations. Conversations flowed naturally, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and appreciation.
Leading with Heart
The event also highlighted the leadership within the program. Team captains spoke about the values of Westwood Girls Soccer, answered questions, and helped lead the experience with confidence and pride. A raffle featuring signed soccer balls and supporter scarves added excitement and gave seniors a tangible connection to the team.
But the impact didn’t end there.
Inspired by the experience, many seniors came out to support the team at home games throughout the season—turning a single event into an ongoing relationship between the program and the community.
Creating a Lasting Tradition
What started as a thoughtful outreach effort has now become something much bigger—a foundation for a lasting tradition. Westwood Girls Soccer plans to continue building on this experience, strengthening its bond with the senior community year after year.
This is what leadership looks like. This is what service looks like. And this is what it means to truly be a student-athlete—using the platform of sport to make others feel seen, valued, and connected.
