Every other Wednesday, the game of bingo at Maplewood at Southport comes with a little extra excitement. Alongside the familiar calls of “B-12” and “O-68” are conversations, laughter, and friendships that continue to grow between residents and members of the Staples High School football team.
What began as a community service initiative has become a meaningful partnership; one that enriches the lives of both residents and student-athletes in ways neither group expected.
When Staples High School Head Football Coach Matty Jacowleff was looking for opportunities to help his players grow beyond the football field, Maplewood at Southport stood out as the perfect fit.
“We chose to partner with Maplewood at Southport to connect our student-athletes with the broader community while helping them develop values like service and empathy,” Jacowleff said. “I had heard outstanding things about Maplewood’s residents, staff, and communities and felt it would be a meaningful opportunity for our players to both give back and grow from the experience.”
During the school year, the team has visited Maplewood every other Wednesday, making bingo night one of the highlights of the week for everyone involved.
While one player takes on the role of calling the bingo numbers, the rest of the team sits alongside residents, helping them follow the game and celebrating every winning card. But the real purpose of the afternoon goes far beyond bingo.
As the games unfold, conversations naturally begin. Residents share stories from their lives, ask players about school and football, and offer advice gathered from decades of experience. The students discover common ground with people from a generation very different from their own.
“Our players are really more focused on establishing a connection with the residents and ensuring that they feel heard and cared about,” Jacowleff said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch the conversations, laughter, and relationships that develop between our players and the residents.”
For Jacowleff, developing strong character is just as important as developing talented athletes. “I have long believed that being a football player does not make you a better person, but being a better person makes you a better football player,” he said.
Experiences like these reinforce that philosophy. By spending time with older adults, players develop empathy, kindness, active listening skills, and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve others. Just as importantly, they discover how rewarding it is to simply be present with someone.
“It’s an hour spent building meaningful connections with a great group of people,” Jacowleff said.
For residents, the visits bring fresh energy and new friendships. For the students, they offer wisdom and relationships that simply can’t be found in a classroom or on a football field.
“The best part of the experience has been the connections formed between our players and the residents,” Jacowleff said. “It’s been incredibly meaningful to watch people with decades between them build genuine relationships and show authentic curiosity about one another. Our players gain valuable perspective, and we hope the residents feel the positive impact of our players’ energy and enthusiasm.”
At Maplewood, meaningful engagement is about more than activities; it’s about creating opportunities for authentic human connection. Partnerships like the one with Staples High School Football demonstrate how simple moments, whether gathered around a bingo card or sharing stories across generations, can leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.
As Coach Matty Jacowleff and his players continue returning to the community, one thing has become clear: the biggest victories aren’t always earned under the Friday night lights. Sometimes, they’re found around a bingo table, where friendships are formed, stories are shared, and every generation has something valuable to offer.
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