ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando City Foundation (Foundation) is currently halfway through its free soccer clinics - which span the entire length of summer - for children in the Parramore district. The summer soccer clinics - which have been led by Foundation staff, Orlando City professionals and U23 players and guests from Orlando Health – focus on teaching the young attendees basic soccer techniques as well as insightful tips on how to stay healthy through proper exercise and nutrition.
Each week, the clinics take place at five different facilities across the Parramore district. The locations include the Howard Middle School, the New Image Youth Center, the Callahan Center, the Jackson Center and the Downtown Recreational Center.
Thus far, over 260 kids have participated in the two hour soccer sessions. During those two hours, Foundation staff, Orlando City professionals and U23 players, and Orlando Health guests engage the youngsters in an informative Q & A dialogue on developing and maintaining one’s holistic well-being. Following the talk, the instructors lead children through basic soccer training sessions, each spanning for about 30 minutes. At these stations, children learn how to dribble, pass and shoot through exciting and challenging drills. Finally, the youngsters are able put their skills to the test through scrimmages and other fun games.
Following each clinic, attendees receive an indestructible soccer ball and an Orlando City Soccer Club T-shirt. Additionally, the Foundation has donated to each participating site literature geared toward helping staff members properly run and maintain soccer programs throughout the year.
“Our main focus is promoting a healthy lifestyle for children,” said Director of Community Relations and Chair of Orlando City Foundation Kay Rawlins. “We want to start our initiatives in the heart of Parramore, which will hopefully start a trickle effect throughout Orlando. Preparing the children for the future is something that the whole city of Orlando should be involved in.”
