More than 350 CPS elementary students brought their A-game and a ton of energy to Stargel Field and TQL Stadium for a soccer invitational with Activities Beyond the Classroom (ABC) and FC Cincinnati Foundation.
This is the second year ABC has partnered with Soccer Unites, presented by Old Spice, a FC Cincinnati Foundation program focused on supporting youth while exposing them to the sport of soccer.
“The kids are having a blast,” ABC Executive Director Sally Grimes said. “They’ve been working really hard, and now they get to play on this beautiful field and showcase everything they’ve learned.”
Students from more than 20 CPS elementary schools participated in a series of scrimmages, stretching and nutrition stations, and an arts activity. The event concluded with a tour of FC Cincinnati’s state-of-the-art home field and lunch inside the First Financial Club.
First Financial Foundation and TQL Foundation sponsored the free event, ABC provided transportation to and from schools, and FC Cincinnati Foundation supplied students with lunches and gifts.
FC Cincinnati Foundation’s Executive Director Kate Solomon was one of three speakers who addressed the students to kick-off Thursday’s event. She emphasized that physical activity and athletic involvement are not only indicators of good health but can also influence character-building and teach valuable life lessons.
“We’re often challenging the kids with, how do you respect your coach? How do you respect your teammates?” Solomon explained. “Whether that be through the physical activity or through the soft skill development, there’s so much more that you can get out of sports.”
This event was one of the largest celebrations of elementary soccer in Cincinnati’s history. Thank you to ABC, FC Cincinnati Foundation and the many partners that worked together to make this afternoon both possible and successful.
“ABC exists to make sure that every kid within Cincinnati Public Schools finds a place where they feel like they belong and they can shine,” Grimes said. “We believe that every kid should have the opportunity to find that thing that sparks their passion and gives them that place to belong.”
