A day of soccer, skills, and community brought families to Burlington’s Virtue Field on Saturday as Sen. Bernie Sanders partnered with Vermont Green FC to host a free youth soccer event for local children.Kids from across the region spent the afternoon learning new soccer skills, making new friends, and having fun on the field.Young players filled Virtue Field for the free youth soccer day, which was designed to give children of all experience levels a chance to play, learn, and connect with the sport.”I want sports to be open to all kids regardless of income that’s kind of what this is about. And we have to work with the Vermont Green to make sure that happens,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders.Community members said they were glad to see young players given the opportunity to learn and grow through the sport.”It’s great to invest in the next generation of Vermonters and pass on the love of the sports,” said Martha Kinsey, a Williston resident.For some young athletes, the event also provided a chance to get back on the field during the summer months after their school seasons ended.”I’m happy to get back into soccer because my season for my school ended a while ago,” said participant Loraena Kinsey.Children ages 6 through 13 took part in drills, skill-building activities, and small-sided games while learning directly from Vermont Green players and coaches. Throughout the afternoon, coaches and players offered tips and encouragement to participants.”It’s a great game. Its an accessible game. It’s something that gets you outside off of the screens. Gets you engaged in the community. It’s the beautiful game for a reason and I think it’s a great tool for community organizing,” said Patrick Infurna, co-founder of Vermont Green FC.After plenty of practice, many of the children were eager for one final activity — the game itself.From first-time players to more experienced athletes, the day ended with plenty of competition, teamwork, and smiles across the field.Organizers said they hope events like this will continue to introduce more young people to the sport.
BURLINGTON, Vt. —
A day of soccer, skills, and community brought families to Burlington’s Virtue Field on Saturday as Sen. Bernie Sanders partnered with Vermont Green FC to host a free youth soccer event for local children.
Kids from across the region spent the afternoon learning new soccer skills, making new friends, and having fun on the field.
Young players filled Virtue Field for the free youth soccer day, which was designed to give children of all experience levels a chance to play, learn, and connect with the sport.
“I want sports to be open to all kids regardless of income that’s kind of what this is about. And we have to work with the Vermont Green to make sure that happens,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Community members said they were glad to see young players given the opportunity to learn and grow through the sport.
“It’s great to invest in the next generation of Vermonters and pass on the love of the sports,” said Martha Kinsey, a Williston resident.
For some young athletes, the event also provided a chance to get back on the field during the summer months after their school seasons ended.
“I’m happy to get back into soccer because my season for my school ended a while ago,” said participant Loraena Kinsey.
Children ages 6 through 13 took part in drills, skill-building activities, and small-sided games while learning directly from Vermont Green players and coaches. Throughout the afternoon, coaches and players offered tips and encouragement to participants.
“It’s a great game. Its an accessible game. It’s something that gets you outside off of the screens. Gets you engaged in the community. It’s the beautiful game for a reason and I think it’s a great tool for community organizing,” said Patrick Infurna, co-founder of Vermont Green FC.
After plenty of practice, many of the children were eager for one final activity — the game itself.
From first-time players to more experienced athletes, the day ended with plenty of competition, teamwork, and smiles across the field.
Organizers said they hope events like this will continue to introduce more young people to the sport.