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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Finding a Forever Family for Melaki
10/7/2019 2:39:00 PM | Men's Soccer, #WildcatsCare
By Leah Wyner
Special to UNHWildcats.com
The University of New Hampshire men's soccer team was a little bit bigger than usual at practice last Wednesday afternoon. The new face was that of 11-year-old Melaki, a young boy looking for his own special team, which is that of a loving family.
New Hampshire Chronicle was there to film the practice and capture Melaki's experience with the team as part of its series "Home at Last." The episode will air on WMUR on Monday, Oct. 7 at 7 pm.
For the past three and a half years, Melaki has been cared for and supported by the Pine Haven residential home for boys in Allenstown, N.H. Pine Haven is a support center for young boys who are in need of extra support or service within their home, school, or community lives.
Melaki is a very active young boy who loves filling his time with activities like music, fishing, helping out with chores and sports. When it comes to sports, soccer is at the top of his list. When the Wildcats realized they had a chance to invite Melaki to one of their afternoon practices, the decision was simple. Head Coach Marc Hubbard knew it would be a great opportunity for not only Melaki, but his players as well.
"We were honored to have Melaki and NH Chronicle at our practice," said Hubbard. "Anytime we can inspire and make a connection with a child is a great opportunity for our players to learn and better develop as people. These are valuable experiences that go both ways for our program and we wish Melaki the very best in finding a forever home."
Melaki is known to be kind, appreciative, well-behaved and well-mannered at Pine Haven and has been able to grow from his time there. While spending time with the young boy at practice, junior Josh Bauer (Bedford, N.H.) was able to see how excited and grateful he was for this unique opportunity.
"It was great to have Melaki come to one of our practices and see how we do things. He loves soccer and he's from New Hampshire so it made perfect sense for him to come visit," said Bauer. "We always love getting local youth involved in our program and he's very special. His life situation is very unique and not many people his age experience what he does every day. For him to be able to trust us to welcome him in takes a lot of courage but we couldn't be happier that he did. We wish him all the best on his journey and hope to see him again soon. He will always have a home at UNH and a family within UNH men's soccer."
As Melaki continues to grow during his time at Pine Haven, he is ready to find a loving family who can grow with him as well. To help him reach his full potential, a patient and well-structured family that recognizes the emotional and educational support Melaki needs would be ideal. Still close with members of his biological family, he would love to have a family that supports and encourages maintaining and strengthening those connections.
Just as the UNH soccer players thrive off of the support and effort of their teammates, Melaki is hoping to find a family of his own that will help him do the same.
Special to UNHWildcats.com
The University of New Hampshire men's soccer team was a little bit bigger than usual at practice last Wednesday afternoon. The new face was that of 11-year-old Melaki, a young boy looking for his own special team, which is that of a loving family.
New Hampshire Chronicle was there to film the practice and capture Melaki's experience with the team as part of its series "Home at Last." The episode will air on WMUR on Monday, Oct. 7 at 7 pm.
For the past three and a half years, Melaki has been cared for and supported by the Pine Haven residential home for boys in Allenstown, N.H. Pine Haven is a support center for young boys who are in need of extra support or service within their home, school, or community lives.
Melaki is a very active young boy who loves filling his time with activities like music, fishing, helping out with chores and sports. When it comes to sports, soccer is at the top of his list. When the Wildcats realized they had a chance to invite Melaki to one of their afternoon practices, the decision was simple. Head Coach Marc Hubbard knew it would be a great opportunity for not only Melaki, but his players as well.
"We were honored to have Melaki and NH Chronicle at our practice," said Hubbard. "Anytime we can inspire and make a connection with a child is a great opportunity for our players to learn and better develop as people. These are valuable experiences that go both ways for our program and we wish Melaki the very best in finding a forever home."
Melaki is known to be kind, appreciative, well-behaved and well-mannered at Pine Haven and has been able to grow from his time there. While spending time with the young boy at practice, junior Josh Bauer (Bedford, N.H.) was able to see how excited and grateful he was for this unique opportunity.
"It was great to have Melaki come to one of our practices and see how we do things. He loves soccer and he's from New Hampshire so it made perfect sense for him to come visit," said Bauer. "We always love getting local youth involved in our program and he's very special. His life situation is very unique and not many people his age experience what he does every day. For him to be able to trust us to welcome him in takes a lot of courage but we couldn't be happier that he did. We wish him all the best on his journey and hope to see him again soon. He will always have a home at UNH and a family within UNH men's soccer."
As Melaki continues to grow during his time at Pine Haven, he is ready to find a loving family who can grow with him as well. To help him reach his full potential, a patient and well-structured family that recognizes the emotional and educational support Melaki needs would be ideal. Still close with members of his biological family, he would love to have a family that supports and encourages maintaining and strengthening those connections.
Just as the UNH soccer players thrive off of the support and effort of their teammates, Melaki is hoping to find a family of his own that will help him do the same.
Players Mentioned
B
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