
From the Field to the Classroom: Drake Callender and Inter Miami CF Inspire the Next Generation Through Goalkeeper's Newest Children's Book
August 20, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Inter Miami CF News Release
Inter Miami CF standout goalkeeper Drake Callender recognizes that a professional athlete's impact has the power to transcend beyond the pitch. As one of the most active Club players in the community, Callender, in collaboration with Inter Miami, recently visited students from the Foundation of Community Assistance & Leadership (FOCAL) to inspire them personally. During his visit, he presented them with copies donated by the Club of his latest children's book, *X Marks the Spot*, which he co-wrote with former teammate DeAndre Yedlin and which features illustrations by Aude Brisson. The first book in the Mindfulness Expedition Series, X Marks the Spot, is a story that welcomes the idea of mindfulness and the value that nature has on one's mental health.
Earlier this summer, in celebration of Juneteenth, Callender visited the students from the FOCAL program to participate in a special book reading of X Marks the Spot. In celebration of the Club's back to school initiative, he returned on Monday to reconnect with the students, hoping that the story of X will serve as a source of inspiration for them. The students were thrilled to welcome Callender back and eager to go on their own mindfulness journey.
"It is great to have a full circle moment with this initiative", said Callender. "I did the reading in June for the kids during the summer program, and now that the kids are back in school, It means a lot to return to FOCAL and donate the books myself, as well as share the importance of education, learning, and reading. There is just so much work that went into this project, and to be able to give back in this way means a lot to me."
FOCAL Miami's mission is to provide educational, vocational, and social services to individuals and families of predominantly low-income communities. Special emphasis is placed on youth to ensure that each child has an opportunity to reach a level of independence and normalization in order to become a productive citizen.
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from August 20, 2024
- LAFC Takes on Colorado in 2024 Leagues Cup Semifinals, Wednesday, August 21, at Bmo Stadium - Los Angeles FC
- Minnesota United and MNUFC2 Injury Updates - Minnesota United FC
- Revolution Loan Defender Ryan Spaulding to Tampa Bay Rowdies - New England Revolution
- Rapids Continue Magical Leagues Cup Run in Semifinals against LAFC - Colorado Rapids
- From the Field to the Classroom: Drake Callender and Inter Miami CF Inspire the Next Generation Through Goalkeeper's Newest Children's Book - Inter Miami CF
- Houston Dynamo FC Sign Honduran National Team Attacker Exon Arzú on Full Transfer from Real C.D. España - Houston Dynamo FC
- Top 5: Fastest New York City FC Goals - New York City FC
- D.C. United Announce Community Partnership with Twinning Project and DC Department of Corrections - D.C. United
- Revolution Host Watch Party at Old North Church on August 24 - New England Revolution
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Inter Miami CF Stories
- Inter Miami CF Academy Teams to Participate in the 2025 Generation adidas Cup Featuring Top International Clubs
- Inter Miami CF Visits LAFC for Champions Cup Quarterfinals First Leg
- Messi Named to MLS Team of the Matchday
- Picault Strikes Late to Secure Inter Miami CF Victory at Atlanta United
- Taylor and Messi Strikes Secure 2-1 Home Win for Inter Miami CF Over Philadelphia Union

