It’s finally Thursday again, which means the long week — and wait — is over. Kids from 20 elementary schools across the city will get the chance, once again, to compete in the only organized elementary school soccer games in the District.
Usually on Fridays — but not tomorrow because of DCPS professional development — kids at 17 middle schools get that same opportunity.
But despite our best efforts, we always hear, especially from kids, parents and coaches East of the River where DC SCORES is the only chance to get involved in soccer, “The season’s too short! Not enough games!”
Well, we’ve listened. And starting this Saturday, we have an answer.
Free weekend soccer clinics in Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Saturday SCORES is the result of DC SCORES collaborating with DC Stoddert Soccer and the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation. For five consecutive Saturdays this fall, from 11:30am-1pm, soccer instructors will run clinics at sites in each of the aforementioned wards.
The clinics will focus on skill development, but won’t be overly competitive. Kids of all skill levels are invited to any of the clinics, including elementary, middle and high school students.
“The main thing is focusing more kids on the game, giving them more opportunities to play, bottom line, in those wards of the city,” said DC SCORES Athletic Director Kenny Owens, who will oversee one of the weekly clinics at Kelly Miller Middle School (Ward 7).
“The idea is to work on the kids’ technique. The main thing is having them play with the ball more — a lot of touches on the ball — and just work on their skills.”
At a recent DC SCORES game day, the idea was introduced to students from C.W. Harris Elementary School in Ward 7. It didn’t take long for them to buy in and commit to attending.
“When I talked to the C.W. Harris kids and asked, ‘What do you guys do on Saturdays?’ They said, ‘There’s nothing to do,’” Owens said.
“They’re excited about not only having something to do, but also having another opportunity to get out there and play.”
And that’s exactly why these clinics were formed — to provide an opportunity, like DC SCORES does, that otherwise isn’t available to the targeted population.
At each clinic, participants will receive a T-shirt and snack, and parents are encouraged to attend.
Below are the weekly Saturday SCORES sites, and more information can be found on this flyer.
Ward 5 — Lamond Riggs Recreation Center
Ward 6 — King Greenleaf Recreation Center
Ward 7 — Kelly Miller Middle School
Ward 8 — Barry Farms Recreation Center
No comments:
Post a Comment