New Sports Program Allows Local Kids to Experience Soccer

Dozens of kids are taking part in the Boys & Girls Club summer program at Skyline are experiencing soccer this week as part of a "Discover Soccer Project."

The program was created by the Missouri Youth Soccer Program and brought to Sedalia by the Paul Klover Soccer Association (PKSA). PKSA Board President Amanda Wasson-Blackburn said she and her board members approached the Club about bringing the pilot program here.

"It worked out perfectly. It just so happened for us that it was at the home field for Smith-Cotton High School soccer," she said, adding that she didn't have to bus kids to another location to take part in the program at Skyline. "We worked with Tyler Hudson at Boys & Girls Club for him to approve us being able to offer this program. We do hope to continue this partnership for years to come," Blackburn said.

Helping coach the kids over a three-day period were soccer team members from Smith-Cotton, Sacred Heart and State Fair Community College, as well as PKSA board members to help facilitate the program.

Nik Bushell, executive director of Missouri Youth Soccer Association, was present on Monday and noted that Discover Soccer Project was developed by his organization, along with University of Missouri-St. Louis. Bushell said the program is a way to expose kids to not only soccer, but sports in general. "It's a way to hopefully get kids to fall in love with the game and the idea that sports can be something that teaches life lessons," he said.