PHOENIX (Friday, February 19, 2021) — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s Grant Woods Branch will be hosting a four-week soccer program that includes practices and games for players grades K-8 starting on Monday, February 22.
Leading these practice sessions and games will be Officers from the Mesa Police Department who have attended a U.S. Soccer Grassroots Coaching License course hosted by the Arizona Soccer Association.
“The Mesa Police Department is happy to join the Arizona Soccer Association and Boys & Girls Club – Grant Woods Branch with the goal of promoting the physical, mental and emotional development of the youth of Arizona through soccer,” said Sargeant Sheehan, Youth Development Chair. “This is a great opportunity to create positive connections between police officers and the youth while promoting healthy choices and developing strong character.”
“Soccer is one of the world’s leading sports and for many families, a clinic like this can be out of financial reach. This partnership with the Mesa Police Department and the Arizona Soccer Association will offer our members skill-building, and more importantly, teach them the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork. After many months away from school and traditional recreation, our members are ready for this program and we are excited for the teams to get on the field,” said Marcia Mintz, CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley. “For our Club parents and players, this is a unique opportunity to get to know the Mesa officers as coaches and mentors and that builds community for the long-term.”
The soccer program will be held from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM with practices on Mondays and games on Wednesdays. The clinic is open to the Club members and non-members. Parents can register their students at the Boys & Girls Club – Grant Woods Branch and for any questions please contact Jaime Fernandez at 480-844-0963.
Schedule
Monday, February 22nd (Practice)
Wednesday, February 24th (Game)
Monday, March 1st (Practice)
Wednesday, March 3rd (Game)
Monday, March 8th (Practice)
Wednesday, March 10th (Game)
Monday, March 15th (Practice)
Wednesday, March 17th (Game)
“Soccer has a way of connecting those in the community and the ASA was honored to host a coaching course for Officers in the Mesa Police Department,” said ASA Technical Director, Chris Blundell. “The Officers received coaching training and we know they are going to deliver what will be an unforgettable clinic for youth at the Boys & Girls Club – Grant Woods Branch.”
One of the priority outcomes for Boys & Girls Clubs programming is Healthy Choices and programs like this that bring together recreation, competition, and teamwork help students make good choices on the field, in the classroom, and at home.
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