New Jersey Youth Soccer Host Celebration of Soccer Event
New Jersey Youth Soccer and Lakewood Soccer Club hosted its “Celebration of Soccer” event that welcomed over one hundred youth recreation players for a day of soccer fun. The event welcomed volunteers from Princeton University and Georgian Court University’s women’s soccer program to help build for the love of the beautiful game.
Youth Soccer News: On Saturday, more than a hundred young recreation players joined the “Celebration of Soccer” event at (John Patrick Park, Lakewood) hosted by New Jersey Youth Soccer and Lakewood Soccer Club. The focus of the event was to provide a playing experience without adults coaching or refereeing, where children take complete ownership of the game. Sheer joy, giggles and laughter were the sounds of the day.
The on-field soccer participation was led by Kevin Vanhorne, (Lakewood Soccer Club President and Director of Coaching), Rick Meana (NJYS Director of Coaching Education and Recreation) and Nelson Ramirez (NJYS Recreation Commissioner). Volunteer soccer players from Princeton University and Georgian Court University’s women’s soccer program also help organize the young players and help them build a love for the game.
Tori Capestro, a volunteer and former varsity player on the Georgian Court University women’s team got an unexpected lesson about the essence of this we event. “There was a little girl who she told me she didn’t like soccer and couldn’t do it. I decided to just play with her and help her out the whole time she was there. After the session, she ran over to me after and gave me the biggest hug and said she liked soccer. It was a rewarding feeling I won’t forget anytime soon.”
Jersey Salazar, a 13 year old from Lakewood said, “It was great to learn more, meet new people, and play.” When asked if he would do this again, he responded, “Yeah, for sure!” The goal of the event was to have everyone involved enjoy the beautiful game and it was clear that goal was accomplished.
Source/Photo Credit: New Jersey Youth Soccer
