Caption: Senior Dylan Meira helps students in grade 3 through 5 prepare for a friendly competition at the end of their practice time together. [by Dr. Cristina Meier]
by Isabella Bruniera
PACA’s after school program is not solely focused on the sports potential of its secondary students, but also provides opportunities for elementary students to practice sports such as soccer, basketball, cheerleading and jiu jitsu.
The Little Warrior soccer teams meet every week on Wednesday, for students in kindergarten through second grade, and on Thursday, for students in grades three through five. The Little Warrior soccer program helps develop an enjoyment of soccer in young children.
Kids can learn how to play the game while developing lasting relationships with their classmates and coaches. The students who are using this program, will learn lessons which focus on teaching partnership, skill development, and sportsmanship.
According to André Helfer, who is a second grade student at PACA, attends the Wednesday afternoon soccer program and is part of the Little Warriors team.
The best part of being on the little warriors is “to learn how to play soccer and to get better at it. Also, to play with my friends and have fun all together,’’ said Helfer.
When asked about making new friends while playing soccer, Helfer described how having friends by his side makes everything more fun.
“My favorite position to play in is as a goalie,” said Helfer, “because being a goalie is an experience that I have been enjoying recently.’’
For these young players, soccer is not just about winning, but about creating good memories and having a great time on the field.
“The thing I like most about little warriors is getting to make new friends and having fun together while playing,” said Helfer.
The Little Warriors soccer program continues to inspire the next generation of athletes, teaching them valuable life lessons through the joy of sport. For soccer players like André Helfer, it is much more than just a game. It is an experience that will help them grow as a soccer player and also as a person, and creates friendships that can last forever.
