Dr. Alan Bates knows the satisfaction, and fun, of mentoring old and young.
For almost four years he’s been coaching soccer teams composed mostly of Vancouver street people, which has led to rewarding trips to both Rio de Janeiro and Paris for the Home-less World Cup.
Now in the psychiatric residency program at the University of B.C., Bates has transformed his love of soccer into helping provide role models for inner-city men, women, boys and girls, many of whom are waiting for someone to believe in them.
Through Vancouver Street Soccer, scores of inner-city residents, ranging from ages 15 to 54, get the chance to be on teams with players from all walks of life, some of whom end up serving as their mentors.
Playing sports together, Bates said, mentors and mentees, some of whom are dealing with drug problems, get a chance to experience “positive peer pres-sure” from their teammates, which lures them to work hard, pay attention and practise sportsmanship.
“If you got hammered the night before on drugs or alcohol, you’re not going to do well for your team the next morning,” said Bates, 34, who works closely with Portland FC. It’s a soccer squad connected to the Downtown Eastside’s Portland Hotel, which is a leader in innovative social engagement.
