Why Student Managers?MOAM believes student managers are the future leaders of one of the most influential and popular industries of our country, and world.
Student Managers are the future of the Sports Industry. It is becoming increasingly common for the leaders of athletics to begin their careers as student managers because of the networking opportunities these positions create and important first-step student managers have already made through simply ‘getting their foot in the door’. The Power of the Sports Industry Sports are becoming the most popular industry in the United States. Plunkett Research estimated the entire American sports industry to be valued at 435 billion dollars in 2012 (Plunkett Research, 2012). Sports create a very powerful and influential platform for coaches, athletes, and staff. Managers on a Mission prepares and equips these individuals to be focused on maximizing the utilization of this platform and striving for a life of real significance. A Firm Foundation The following characteristics make it essential for future sports professionals to be firmly grounded in their values and identity in Christ:
Strong Demand There is a great demand for young native-English speaking males in the mission field and male role models to the millions of paternal orphans in particular. Providing the Opportunity It is very difficult to connect a college student to a mission trip because of the costs and a perceived lack of value undergraduates students often believe the experience will offer. It is even more difficult for student managers to go on mission trips because most “Alternative Break Trips” occur during winter break and spring break when the managers must remain working with their program. It is also difficult for them to participate in any study abroad experience because of the year-round commitment their positions require. It is extremely important to connect these individuals with this life changing opportunity to broaden their worldview while it is still feasible for them to leave home for this extended period of time. Recent studies have found only 30% of American citizens possess a passport, with 50% of international travel going to either Mexico or Canada (CNN, 2011). Valuable Assets MOAM believes successful student managers are often very hard working, self-motivated and well-rounded individuals because of the various responsibilities and commitments of their demanding position. All of which are characteristics that make them extremely valuable to service projects and mission trips. Student managers have a valuable platform through their position and connection to their schools athletic department, which is often able to provide various donated goods that can be of significant value to the third world African countries they will be visiting. An Example of Success During Drew Boe’s (MOAM Founder) recent mission trip to Rwanda, the children greatly valued and appreciated donations he easily obtained from: ★ Virginia Tech’s Athletic Department
★ Herma’s Readers (established by Virginia Tech Head Football Coach, Frank Beamer)
★ Tubby Smith (Texas Tech Men’s Basketball Head Coach)
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