Brookline — Under nearly 90-degree weather, kids from first grade to high school gathered for the third annual Street Soccer Tournament at Skyline Park. In this fundraising event sponsored by the Friends of Brookline Soccer, kids ran around in cleats and shin guards in teams of three. As they battled it out, high school players offered words of encouragement as their coaches for the day.
Jeff Katz, the founder of this annual fundraiser said that this was one of his favorite events of the year.
“Look around you,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to have this picture.”
Katz said that these types of events were important because kids could go out and try new things without fear of mistakes, as they might be in a traditional soccer game. Instead of long intense games, the children would play a series of short 10-minute matches.
Katz thought of the idea in February 2009, and said he knew it was a good idea because it would give back to the community while simultaneously making money for Brookline soccer programs.
“It’s a fundraiser you don’t feel guilty about,” he said.
To participate in the event, the teams of five would pay $100 each. Last year, the event brought in $7,000 to the program. Due to scheduling problems, fewer participated this year, but Katz still estimated the event would make between $5,000 and $6,000 this year.
Jan Van Aarsaen, a Brookline soccer coach and a father of three daughters, two of which were participating in the tournament said that he thought the event was fantastic both for his children and the community.
“Its just the atmosphere,” he said. “There’s a feeling of togetherness with this event.”
Suzanne Steele, a mother of four kids, two of which were participating in the event, said that the involvement of high school athletes was a great additional aspect for the young kids.
“It combines high schoolers with the younger people,” she said. “When they do this, I think they can see themselves as high schoolers.
Ari Zimmet, a Brookline High School soccer player, said that this was the third year he was coaching for this event, and that he hopes to continue doing it.
“It gives the kids an idea of what maybe they’re working for,” he said. “Its also just fun.”
6/20/11
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