Bilingual Golf Program Teaching Life Skills In Union County

PLAINFIELD, NJ — A youth development program is using golf to teach life skills, confidence, and teamwork to elementary school students in Plainfield through a bilingual initiative built directly into the school day.

First Tee – Raritan Valley is highlighting its Bilingual School Program, a six-week program hosted in partnership with Jefferson Elementary School. Launched in Fall 2024, the initiative gives selected students the opportunity to participate in weekly sessions taught in both English and Spanish.

The program runs once a week for six weeks and takes place during the school day. Students are transported by bus from Jefferson Elementary to the program site and back, which organizers say helps ensure access for families and removes transportation barriers.

First Tee – Raritan Valley is a youth development organization that uses golf to teach character-building skills such as confidence, responsibility, perseverance, and respect. Through the bilingual format, organizers say students are able to participate more fully, communicate comfortably, and build connections regardless of their primary language.

Since it launched, the program has focused on creating a supportive learning environment where students can develop social, emotional, and leadership skills alongside basic golf instruction. Sessions are led by trained coaches who use the game as a tool to reinforce teamwork and personal growth.

“The bilingual program was created because I believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel confident in a space where they can truly be themselves, no matter their language or background,” said Jose Sagal, founder of the bilingual program and program director.

Sagal added that the program is personal for him, reflecting on his own childhood experience with limited access to golf and structured youth programs.

“I remember being 11 years old and seeing golf as something completely out of reach,” Sagal said. “If my school had offered something like this, I know how much it could have shaped my development, not just as a golfer, but as a person.”

First Tee – Raritan Valley said the partnership with Jefferson Elementary reflects its broader goal of expanding access and creating inclusive opportunities for students across the region.

More information about First Tee – Raritan Valley programs is available at firstteerv.org.