Samuel "Sam" Steele, the latest addition to the South Dade YMCA staff, readily admits to being a soccer addict and makes no bones about it.

Samuel "Sam" Steele

"Yes, I play soccer, watch soccer, coach soccer," he said. "I read about it, and I convert kids from baseball to soccer because I think it’s a great sport."

Steele, 21, said it was soccer that led to his new position as teen program director at the South Dade Y.

"I’ve been a Y volunteer as a soccer coach ever since I was 15 years old," he said. "And, as I got older and went on to college, I always stayed in touch with the guys here, volunteering to referee games and just passing by to say ‘hello.’

"One day I passed by and they said, ‘Hey, we have a job open here,’" he continued. "So, that’s how I come to be here and I’m doing a good job and doing something that’s beneficial to the community."

Steele was born in Jamaica, but came to the U.S. in 1984 when he was 6 years old. He grew up in South Miami-Dade, attended Palmetto Middle School and graduated from Palmetto Senior High in 1994. He went on to Florida International University, where he earned a degree in Business Management, graduating in 1998. He resides in Pinecrest with his parents, George and Jasita Steele, and younger brothers, Nick, 13, Daniel, 9.

As teen program director, Steele works with youngsters ages 12-17, administering after-school care programs, running camps, directing leader and junior counselor training programs, coordinating environmental services, working with volunteers and getting youngsters involved in community service projects.

"When they get to senior high, they’ll already be familiar with volunteering their time and help, and that way they can satisfy their requirements for graduation," he said.

Steele said he was on his high school debate team and won an award as a novice. He went to the state debate tournament in Tallahassee.

Today, he is working on master’s degree in Sports Administration.