Thursday, June 13th Orlando City Soccer were honored to be invited out to the re-opening of a soccer ‘corral’ at the Englewood Center located at 6123 La Costa Dr., Orlando. Also in attendance was District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz as well as representatives of Sedano’s Supermarkets and Coca-Cola both of whom were collaborative partners working with Commissioner Ortiz to renovate the soccer ‘coral’.
The event kicked off at 10.30am with a gymnasium full of children ranging from first graders up to fifth grade whom welcomed Commissioner Ortiz upon arrival. Commissioner spoke of the beautiful game-soccer and he is definitely excited about soccer and its growth in Orlando! Coca-Cola representatives followed advocating healthy lifestyles for youth and the impact of exercise on a youth.
Lisa Early of Parramore Kid Zone and City of Orlando kindly introduced Orlando City. Due to travels from Kansas City we were unable to have our first team players at the event but two of our U-23 members, Cole Seiler and Paul Clowes gladly stepped in and proved to be wonderful with the youth of the center. Lisa was able to speak a bit on the sport of soccer and eventually allowed a few lucky children to answer soccer trivia to win some OC Goodies.
“I think it is great that facilities like the newly refurbished soccer field at Englewood are available for children to use. Sports like soccer are such a good way to stay healthy and make friends for life,” said Clowes. “It really is awesome for Orlando City to be involved in such a huge part of these children's lives and to hopefully inspire them to be great sportsmen and women, and more importantly great people.”
After introductions it was outside to the coral where Commissioner Ortiz did the official ribbon cutting ceremony. The children and Orlando City Players alike couldn’t wait to kick the ball around! Orlando City donated to the center five indestructible soccer balls that the children used immediately on the field!
