The after school Socc
er Skills Development Program wrapped up this week with soccer tournaments in each age group. Each student in the program received a Lake of the Woods Lightning Soccer Diploma as well as a list of soccer skills homework to continue practicing all summer long.
Cole, a Grade 2 student from École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys talks about why he liked the program. "I love playing the games because you get to use all the skills and abilities our coaches taught us and it's fun. We learned about ball control and keep ups. Then we got to take everything we learned and practice it in a game. It was lots of fun."
The program was offered in partnership with the Kenora Athletic Soccer Club. The club offered countless hours of coaching time and support to establish the program. Coach Clay Hammett talks about what the students learned. "We focused on developmentally appropriate games and teaching the students how to move and control the ball, receive, pass, dribble, shoot. We really focussed on the skills and not the drills and the students seemed to enjoy the program. We are hoping to continue to build on the program again next season. "
"This program has been truly amazing. We've heard great comments from our parents and students and everyone is really happy with how it turned out," says Phyllis Eikre, Director of Education. " I want to personally thank all of the dedicated coaches. We had an amazing team of coaches from the Kenora Athletic Soccer Club and the Kenora Catholic District School Board for the duration of the program. We even had a few parents helping. These people volunteered their time and were here rain or shine on the fields with the students. These people truly love the sport of soccer and helped to ensure that the students were having fun and learning new skills. Thank you to everyone who made this new program such a success."
The 10-week program ran twice per week since the middle of April and was the first program of it's kind at the Kenora Catholic District School Board. Over 120 students from Pope John Paul II school, École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys and St. Louis school participated in the program together, in groups in grades 1 - 3 and 4 - 6. The program focused on building soccer skills, developing overall athleticism, teamwork, team play and tactical skills as well as fostering a love of soccer and having fun within peer groups. It was also a great way for students to build friendships amongst the different Catholic schools.