Perth Glory’s popular football clinics “Soccer Schools” are returning for the July school holidays to help grow the gospel of the game at the grassroots level.
The program is held for children of all abilities aged four to 13, over two days across WA.
Community officer and former Perth Glory player Michael Garcia said Soccer Schools was based on three basic principals.
“A smile, a sweaty shirt and a skill set” he joked.
“Through the day we have various activities that are skill related, coupled with fun games, we have a tournament, and players who come down from Perth Glory. So they’re pretty well entertained for the two days” he said.
The focus isn’t only on working hard and learning something new, but also creating a safe environment for children to enjoy themselves which meant there was no place for bullying, in the program.
“We place high value on things like that, making sure they’re stamped out”.
Soccer Schools is one of about a thousand activations and events the Perth Glory Community Department holds throughout the year.
The program also helped unearth 11-year old Zak Gilsenan, who went on to trial for Spanish giants Barcelona, before signing with English powerhouse Liverpool, last year.
“Holiday clinics are a great way of spotting new talent, because they’ve naturally got a love for the game, which is half the fun” Community Department manager Callum Salmon said.
In the past five years, Perth Glory Community football programs have sky-rocketed in popularity.
“We’re growing every year, we’re one of the biggest soccer schools in Australia. We have great feedback and the kids love it, it’s all day long fun-packed. We’ve had kids coming back year in, year out” Salmon said.
As an added bonus in the July Soccer Schools, participants will receive a Grassroots to Glory membership, granting them FREE entry to the first THREE home games of the 2015/2016 season.
Click here for more details about Perth Glory’s Soccer School program.
For full Perth Glory FC memberships click HERE .
Soccer Schools venue details and times are as follows:
Subiaco AFC’s Rosalie Park – 9am to 3pm, Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th July
Melville City FC’s Len Shearer Reserve – 9am to 3pm, Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th July
Albany JSA’s North Road Clubrooms – 9am to 3pm, Thursday 16th and Friday 17th July
Mandurah City FC’s Hyundai Stadium – 9am to 3pm, Thursday 16th and 17th July
