Children learn soccer basics
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Brock Aikens (left) with the YMCA United soccer team tries to get control of the ball away from YMCA Wizard players Nyle Grove (right) during a match at Doctor's Field on North Belair Road.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Some Columbia County 4 and 5 year olds are attending a fun-filled school to learn some ABC's, but it's not the kind in the alphabet.
These youngsters are attending soccer school and learning the ABC's of the increasingly popular sport as part of a special YMCA program designed for the young player.
The program, offered in the spring and fall, is in its second successful year.
"They have a blast," said Avery Villines, director of the Marshall Family YMCA branch. "It's been great. It's filled up every time."
The co-ed program currently has six teams and 72 players. The teams, which compete in a round robin style of play, count heavily on parents to serve as coaches, encouragers, trophy managers and snack providers.
"We wouldn't get off the ground without our volunteers," Villines said. Coaches focus on very basic skills, said Fred Williams, who helps with the United team.
Nyle Grove (left) with the Wizards and Kwenton Gaines, with the United, battle for control of the ball during a game.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
The players learn to properly kick with the side of their foot as opposed to the toe and learn the object of the game is to kick the ball into the net.
It's still a bit early to learn field positions, he said.
"One of the most important aspects is teamwork," he said. Also helpful is knowing how to throw the ball in from the sidelines. Other key elements are having fun and, of course, snack time.
Renee Jenkins chose to enroll son Eric, 5, in the program because "it's a good activity for a young child to play, and it's a sport with a goal of having fun."
Eric seemed to agree as he raced across the Doctors Hospital field behind the Evans Crossing Shopping Center, kicking the ball correctly with the side of his foot as parents encouraged all the players from the sidelines.
Brock Aikens (left) and Patrick Corbin battle for the ball during a game against the YMCA United and the Wizards.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Joshua Sowell, 5, said he enjoys the soccer school.
"I learn responsibility and to let other people do good work," he said. "Kicking it in the goal is my favorite."
Registration for the next soccer school is July 5-18 at any area YMCA, with play to begin in September. The program is open to 4 and 5 year olds, with a cutoff date of Aug. 1, 2004.