The Watermark at 3030 Park Sends Bridgeport Student to World’s Largest Youth Soccer Tournament

The Watermark at 3030 Park, a retirement community in Bridgeport, is pleased to announce their latest “Watermark Kid,” 17-year-old Madelyne Medina from Bridgeport. Through a donation from Watermark for Kids, Madelyne attended the world’s largest youth soccer tournament this past summer in Sweden.

Watermark for Kids is an organization that empowers young people to build character, strengthen their leadership skills and express their creativity, compassion and spirit. It is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Tucson, Arizona-based Watermark Retirement Communities, the company that manages The Watermark at 3030 Park, located on Park Avenue in Bridgeport.

Madelyne, a senior at Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Science Magnet School in Bridgeport is a member of the premier Connecticut Football Club, and was attempting to raise money to participate in the Gothia Cup, the world’s largest youth soccer tournament. Encouraged to contact The Watermark at 3030 Park by a local Bridgeport pastor, Madelyne worked with The Watermark’s Fitness Director Cindy McGuire to apply for financial and travel support to attend the tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Watermark for Kids covered the cost of Madelyne’s flight, hotel accommodations and tournament entrance fee.

“This was an exciting and eye-opening opportunity for Madelyne; being surrounded by people and players from 80 different countries gave her confidence and experience, both from an athletic and cultural perspective that will carry with her as she prepares to attend college,” said Madelyne's mother, Keyla. “This trip would not have been possible without the help of The Watermark sponsorship opportunity, and I commend them for having such a positive impact on young people in their community.”

As a result of the tournament, Madelyne is currently in the process of working with college scouts from New York, and is hoping to play collegiate soccer next year.

“Madelyne’s experience is a perfect example of the vision of Watermark for Kids,” said Cindy McGuire. “We are thrilled to have been able to support her journey and look forward to keeping in touch and following her promising athletic and academic career.”

Residents of The Watermark at 3030 Park held a Watermark for Kids fundraiser on Friday, September 30, with a mini golf tournament organized by The Watermark Men’s Club. Madelyn attended to thank The Watermark for their donation and to share memories from her experience with the residents and associates.

For more information or to find out how you can help contribute to Watermark for Kids, please call The Watermark at 3030 Park at 203-374-5611. More information on Watermark for Kids can also be found by visiting www.watermarkforkids.org.