Mini pylons, hurdles, jumps and cylinder tubes for kids to crawl through were among the activities they tackled during SOYSA’s pre-mini soccer program.
June 10 marked the final day of the weekly program at the Adidas Sportsplex, which began in April. Deemed highly successful in the eyes of administrator Steve Coates, the program, which introduced kids born in 2007 and 08 to the sport, attracted 117 kids.
“It’s awesome,” said Coates. “It’s way more than we expected.”
They learned about ball movement, control, how to kick properly, but were also engaged in various fun games. The idea is to keep them moving.
“It’s similar to game situations,” said Annie Plant, who plays for the under-14 Pinnacles. “The kids like this one.”
Coates has also been impressed with parents who have been active with the kids. One of them being Angela Tenisci who has enjoyed watching her son Jaren.
“He’s having a lot of fun,” she said, adding that she likes that it gives him an avenue to burn some energy. “He loves it. Any exercise to run around is a good thing. He’s really enjoyed it and helped build confidence. It helps him to learn to be in a group sport setting.”
She also likes that it introduces him to something new and working with other kids. Tenisci has had a lot of laughs. While kids are doing their best to learn, at times they get sidetracked from the task at hand, which also provides humour.
“I’ve got tons of pictures and videos,” said Tenisci. “It’s amazing how far they have come along.”
Delano Ducheck said the program is great and he has been impressed with the coaches. He is from Calgary and said they have nothing like this there. He sees kids having a great time and stressed that, “fun is the most important thing.”
His son Desmond is always playing and was excited for each Friday.
“He loves the game,” said Ducheck, who even gets his brain picked by his son asking about defensive plays when they watch the game on TV.
“I’m really impressed at this age,” he said. “Parents are happy if kids are.”
“The best part is members of the Pinnacles are helping,” said Coates, adding that the program cost families $60 with shirts donated by Skaha Meadows Golf Course.SOYSA will run a similar program in the fall starting in mid September.
