The value of volunteering

Strategy is important to Hector Rodriguez, Jr. From a young age, the game of football fueled his passion for life and giving to others. 

Rodriguez has been with the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) for nine years now. He is currently in the Fiscal Administration Bureau, handling purchasing and working with vendors to ensure MDPD staff has the tools and equipment they require.

When not at work, Rodriguez devotes his off hours to the youth of our community through his coaching and mentoring at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. As a player himself, he moved into coaching after playing football at South Miami Senior High School and with the Miami Xtreme Football League at several Miami-Dade County Parks. 

“There are so many kids that benefit from participating in organized sports,” Rodriguez explained. “There is discipline and rules to follow. These are balanced with wonderful relationships and team spirit that help develop responsibility. Everyone learns to work together and supports each other. This builds our young people and our future community.”

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see young people grow up and flourish. You don’t always realize how you are impacting someone,” Rodriguez added. “Whenever I’m able to reconnect with the kids as adults, they often talk about the life skills they learned from playing football and being members of a team. How important it was to feel safe and understood.”

“You can’t take anything for granted,” Rodriguez added. “Words and actions matter.”

Rodriguez has volunteered at several parks throughout his 37 years of coaching football. One of the parks that is dear to his heart is Kendall Hammocks Optimist Club. “I coached in that park in the early 90’s with the founder of the program for over 10 years. In 2013, when my son started playing football, I knew I wanted to go back and coach my son and be a part of his experience with the game. Being a coach is a job that involves strong emotions, so experiencing this connection with my son was truly special. I’m grateful for it and what it has taught us both.”

Rodriguez admits that having his wife’s support has made a big difference.

“She understands how important volunteer work is to me and to others. She has been generous and giving of her time as the team mom of my football teams. I know she believes in me and the kids who are mentored and taught to be good athletes and citizens,” he said. 

“When we meet up now with teachers, police officers, fire captains, professionals and parents who participated and return with their own kids to play the game, we know it is time well spent. Advocating for our youth is vital to our community.”

“My volunteer work puts me in a great mood and opens my mind to always have a good day and be ready to work. Life takes work. That’s why I like to volunteer.”