Welcome!

Are you tired of reading the paper each day and seeing the same headlines everyday? Headlines that focus on youth gangs, guns in our schools, children using drugs, teen sex parties, vandalism and stealing. These types of negative activities are on the rise right here in the Madison area. You may ask, "What can one person do to deter the increasing number of these negative activities?" The answer is that no one person can really change anything, but as a well organized group we can have a greater impact on the lives and the decision making process of our children.

First, we know that if we are going to begin to make a difference, we need to capture the attention of our youth. What are most kids interested in? For most kids the answer is in the form of competitive, recreational, instructional or social types of activities. Studies show that kindergarten through 8th grade children strive for well organized activities that allow them to explore their capabilities in a fun filled environment.

Through organizing and conducting positive activities we can bring our kids into the Eastside Shark Program where we can work together to create positive self-esteem within our youth. We not only will teach skills to be successful while participating in activities, but more importantly, we will teach skills that are needed throughout their lifetime. Skills like time management, discipline, respect for your peers, respect for your opponents, team work, sportsmanship and the ability to cope during difficult times. These skills are the foundation of a positive society.

As the Eastside Sharks Youth Sports / Activity Association begins another year, our primary focus will be to continue to fulfill the Association's Purpose. Since 1992, the association has developed, directed and promoted activities for over 2,000 participants. For those elementary, middle school and high school students that have participated in our programs, results have indicated that these individuals are performing at a very high success level. Academically, these students have exhibited the ability to attain higher grade point averages; greater competence on national grade-level tests; higher scores on college placement tests and outstanding academic achievements at the college level. Athletically, members of the Eastside Shark Program have surfaced as the leaders of their respective teams. Many of these student athletes have received local, state and national recognition for their athletic achievements. Several of our former student athletes are now scholarship athletes competing on university and college teams in a variety of sports. Socially, many students have taken on leadership roles within their schools as event organizers; they are faculty selected school representatives for large youth conferences while others have been chosen by their classmates to become their club officers as well as their class officers.

When kids possess good self-esteem, their self confidence level increases and they are not afraid to take calculated risks to achieve higher goals. The more calculated risks a person attempts, the more self confident they become! One of the primary goals of the Eastside Sharks is to enhance this development of a positive self-image so that our kids can feel good about themselves and realize that at the present time they do have an important role in our society. The Eastside Sharks Sports / Activity Association has proven that it can make a difference in the lives of our youth! Let's continue to develop a positive environment so kids can learn how to use their full potential during their lifetime instead of chasing after their potential for the reminder of their lifetime.

The Eastside Sharks Sports / Activity Association is operated totally by volunteers. It is only through volunteers that the Association can continue to grow and offer programs for the youth. You can make a difference in the lives of our youth by volunteering your time. We offer many Volunteer Opportunities in which you can help our kids. We look forward to your help and please feel free to contact me should you have any questions about our volunteer opportunities.

"For the Kids"

Chuck Koch, Association Director