If you grew up playing sports in the Ross, Greenbrae and Kentfield communities, you probably know the name Jean-Marc Schafer. “Schafe,” as he’s referred to by many of his students, has been a mentor and inspiration since 1987, when he first began coaching youth sports. Schafer is known for his passion for working with youth, building camaraderie among local kids and shaping their early lives by introducing them to athletics.

Born in 1962 in Paris, France, Schafer recalls being a turbulent child who naturally gravitated towards sports. Playing soccer on the streets of the inner-city at a young age sparked his love for the game. 

At age 12, Schafer took his talents to the acclaimed Paris Saint-Germain soccer club in France, where he played for two years before being released after failing to make the roster as he entered his third year with the club.

Growing up in a big city wasn’t always easy for Schafer. He often found himself in trouble and didn’t perform exceptionally well academically. However, Schafer was motivated and driven, qualities he credits to his extremely hard-working parents. When Schafer was seventeen, his father enrolled him in the French Army. 

“I was not easy to deal with. I needed some redirection,” Schafer said.

After serving two years in the French Army, Schafer moved to San Rafael, setting out to learn English and start a new life for himself. He enrolled in an English Second Language program at Dominican University of California.

 “You know what I felt [when I moved here]? I felt free,” Schafer said. 

It wasn’t long until Schafer began his journey as a coach and physical education (PE) teacher, officially landing a job at Ross Recreation in 1987 and later at Bacich Elementary in 1992. It was at Bacich that he founded his community-renowned “Schafer Games,” an athletic program for kids. Schafer runs a variety of games in his program, many of which are the same games Schafer played himself as a child. 

In Schafer Games, classic sports like soccer and basketball have unique twists. For example, contrary to the typical two goals used in soccer , Schafer will run the game with multiple goals instead. For basketball, Schafer leads the game with three balls at once. These creative approaches to his after-school games is what makes his program so popular.

Not only have the kids Schafer has worked with benefited, but he himself reflected on the immense gratitude and satisfaction the job has given. For Schafer, it isn’t about the money, but rather the feeling of connection and camaraderie that he builds with each kid. 

“Kids are pure, in a way,” Schafer said. “They bring a clear relationship — they let you know whether they like you or not. And it was hard for me as a kid, so I see myself in them. I see their wild side.” 

Having been part of the community for 33years, Schafer Games remain a popular recess and after-school activity for local kids.

Bacich Elementary student Axel Roth, a former Schafer Game participant from second to fourth grade, reflects on his time spent playing with Schafer after school. 

“I loved being able to hang out with my friends and enjoyed doing all of the activities. Playing soccer was one of my favorites,” Roth said.

According to Roth, however, the best part of it all was being able to spend time with Schafer.

“He was really nice to us. He made me feel like I was older and had more maturity,” Roth said. “I also like how he remembers a lot of things about you. He hears you.”

For Roth, building a strong relationship with Schafer came easily. This holds true for many who come into contact with him. Whether it’s his infectious laugh or vibrant attitude, Schafer attracts new friends left and right.

Similar to Roth, Redwood senior Dylan McGrath, a former Bacich Bear and participant in Schafer Games, holds nothing but great memories from his time playing with Schafer; they remain great friends to this day.

“[Schafer] made me feel like I was bigger and I could hold my ground,” McGrath said. “And when you’re only in second grade or so, that feels amazing.”

McGrath began Schafer Games in first grade, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers. Throughout the years, McGrath has become extremely close with Schafer, often visiting him whenever he gets a chance to stop by his alma mater.

“There’s never a dull moment with Schafer,” McGrath said.

Now 63, Schafer still runs his Schafer Games program at Bacich, cementing his legacy as a role model for kids growing up in the community. Many of Schafer’s first students are now well into adulthood, and the fact that he still has close relationships with some of them is what keeps him coming back each year. 

“I’m like a grandfather now,” Schafer said. “There’s plenty of [parents] here [in Marin] who used to be my students. And that’s my favorite part. It’s almost like time hasn’t passed.”