Friendship in Motion: The Community “Sports Buddies” Creates for Littles and Bigs
July 29, 2025, Nohad Awada
At Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, we know mentorship has the power to ignite the potential of Twin Cities youth. When you combine that with the energy of a capture the flag game, the challenge of a tennis match, or the fun of kayaking, something even more dynamic happens. That is the driving force behind our Sports Buddies cohort, a community-based mentorship program that uses sports and physical activity to build trust, foster connection, and create lasting memories between Littles and Bigs.
We spoke with two Bigs, Micheal (Eddie) Goetz and William (Will) Wacholz, about their experience mentoring through Sports Buddies. Both joined the program earlier this year, with Will joining in January and Eddie joining shortly after in February. They were inspired by the opportunity to form consistent, positive connections with young people in a shared environment of energy and teamwork.
“I have worked with youth and adults in social work, and I have seen how mentorship and consistent support can really shift someone’s trajectory,” said Will. “Sports Buddies stood out because it was something tangible, something we could both show up for.”
Eddie, a district sales manager, echoed that sentiment. “I have always believed that sports have a way of bringing people together,” he said. “I felt like I needed something more than just work. Being a mentor helped fill that gap and gave me a way to reconnect with my community.”
Moreover, Eddie and Will themselves formed a friendship through the cohort. Sharing experiences and challenges as mentors helped them connect beyond their matches, showing how the program not only builds bonds between Littles and Bigs but also creates a supportive community for mentors to learn and grow together.
The Power of the Cohort
One of the most valuable elements of Sports Buddies is the community it builds, not just between Littles and Bigs but among all the matches themselves.
“In a group setting, Littles have more people to talk to, which helps them open up,” Eddie explained. “They relax, start chatting, and build social skills they might not get to practice elsewhere.”
Will noted that attending Big Meetups gave him insight into how others were navigating similar experiences. “Sometimes, Bigs struggle with connection at first,” he said. “Being part of a cohort helped me build that trust faster.”
This shared community creates a space where Littles and Bigs alike find belonging and support, strengthening the impact of mentorship beyond just one-on-one matches.
Moments That Matter
Sometimes, it is a quiet moment in the middle of a loud game that reveals just how deep a connection has grown.
For Eddie, it was during a Timberwolves game, just a few meetups into his match. “My Little opened up to me about something happening at school, completely unprovoked. It was just the two of us in the stands,” Eddie recalled. “That moment really showed me that he felt safe and trusted me.”
Will had a similar moment on the water. “We went kayaking. At first, my Little was not really into it, kind of glued to his phone,” Will said. “But once we got out there, he started asking questions. He was a little scared but kept going. It was about trying something new together. That is a metaphor for mentorship in many ways.”
Growth That Goes Both Ways
Both mentors shared how being matched with a Little has changed their own lives by building confidence and opening their perspectives.
Eddie found that taking the first step, something he encourages his Little to do, has helped him become more proactive in his own life. “I used to get stuck in routines, but now I take that first step, and it is amazing what opens up,” he said. “Even my employees have noticed the change.”
Will shared how his Little’s creativity, especially during rounds of “Would You Rather?”, has shifted the way he approaches communication. “It has helped me think more abstractly and be more creative, even in my adult circles,” he said.
Amplifying Voices, One Match at a Time
Mentorship is about more than activities. It is about visibility, connection, and long-term impact.
“In a world filled with negativity, helping one person can create a ripple effect,” Eddie said. “We are all human, but not everyone has the same access to support. Being a mentor is a small way to help rebalance that.”
Will added, “I have seen how having just one consistent adult in a young person’s life can completely change their path. That is what mentorship is. That is the impact we can all have.”
Small Steps, Big Outcomes
The Sports Buddies cohort proves that mentorship does not have to be complicated. With flexible scheduling, group events, and shared interests, matches can connect in a way that feels meaningful and manageable.
“It is not as time-consuming as people might think,” Eddie said. “Just one step in a positive direction can change someone’s life.”
Or, as Will put it, “It is those small, consistent moments that add up to big change, for Littles, Bigs, and the community we build together.”
