SAN YSIDRO – San Ysidro School District recently hosted a free soccer clinic at Sunset Elementary for about 40 kindergarten through eighth-grade girls, providing underserved children with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the sport.

This event was made possible through the District’s partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Passback program, which recycles sports equipment to underserved children; Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), a top club for female youth soccer players; and The T. Denny Sanford Inspirement Tribe, which provides innovative, student-centered youth programs to Title I schools.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to be trained by elite coaches and players while having a ton of fun on the field,” SYSD Superintendent Dr. Julio Fonseca said. “We are doing everything we can to provide our kids with programs to help them lead productive lives and motivate them to succeed academically.”

Sarah Pickens, director of programs at U.S. Soccer, led the clinic with players from ECNL and volunteers from Surf Soccer Club. ECNL donated the soccer balls and scrimmage vests.

The clinic included five technique drills and scrimmages.

Girls who discovered they love playing soccer can continue through the District’s sports program, which will be operated by After School All-Stars, an after-school program provider, and receive donated sports equipment from Passback.

“Students attending the San Ysidro School District will enjoy an increasing number of sports programs because of the District’s commitment to improving our after-school programs,” said Alexis Rodriguez, coordinator of the After School Education and Safety Program.

Board of Education President Marcos Diaz said he was grateful to the partners for providing a place where girls had fun learning about soccer and engaging in teambuilding activities.

“The District puts the highest importance on our students living happy and healthy lives and we’ll continue to pursue additional partnerships to offer more activities like this one,” Diaz said. “Youth athletics help our students learn about team building, encourages social development and motivates students to lead active lifestyles.

PHOTO CAPTION:

1SOCCERCLINIC: San Ysidro School District girls, along with Superintendent Julio Fonseca, gathered for a fun afternoon at Sunset Elementary’s Turf Field, learning from each other as well as trained soccer coaches during the District’s one-day soccer clinic.

2SOCCERCLINIC: Students had the chance to warm up before splitting off for technique drills and scrimmages.

3SOCCERCLINIC: Superintendent Dr. Julio Fonseca joined San Ysidro students for pre-game push-ups and planks.

4SOCCERCLINIC: San Ysidro Middle School students huddle in a circle before beginning drills including juggling exercises.