INDIANAPOLIS - Today marks the launch of the IUPUI men's soccer team's third year of the 'Real Men Read' Program, as head coach Brian Barnett's team continues the partnership with selected Indianapolis Public Schools. Barnett helped initiate the program with his student-athletes as part of an intentional effort to increase the Jaguars' presence in the Central Indiana community. 

His student-athletes have worked with seven IPS Schools, spanning 16 fourth grade classrooms. Once a month, his student-athletes read with the students and copies of the selected books are presented to the elementary student to help build a home library. 

"What we've learned, is that the partnership impacts our student-athletes as much, or more, as the fourth graders," Barnett said. "Our guys look forward to going into these schools and spending quality time with the fourth graders. Reading becomes a common bond for everyone involved and helps break down walls that are naturally in place. 

"I'm proud of our guys for really embracing the initiative and taking ownership of the programming."

The intention of the program is to help facilitate a lifelong commitment to learning and reading. Last year, the Jaguars built upon the program, inviting the students out to campus to participate in a free soccer clinic at Carroll Stadium.