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| Over 460 kids are participating in Central City Soccer this summer. |
Donning their signature pink shirts, Central City Soccer coaches begin setting up goals and painting lines on the grass every Saturday at 7 a.m. In a few hours over 460 kids and their families will arrive.
Central City Soccer, an inner-city soccer league, began its 10th season the first week of June. The league is completely directed and run by about 100 Epicenter students from Drake, Grandview, DMACC and AIB. Epicenter is a summer leadership program for college students.
Coaches plan and run practices, attend and referee games, and set up and tear down the goals and fields. Members of a Windsor Heights Community Group also help coach. This summer, Central City has over 30 teams with kids ranging from 1st grade to high school.
The league promotes character and self-esteem in every child and many opportunities for both personal and athletic success. But more than that, these families hear about the love of Christ through this faith-based league.
"Central City is unique because it provides an opportunity for lower income families to get their kids involved in sports when they might not otherwise be able to play," said Tiffany McCarthy of the Central City Soccer staff. "I've heard some of the parents say that our league is like a 'family' because we care about their kids just for who they are."
"Central City is unique because it provides an opportunity for lower income families to get their kids involved in sports when they might not otherwise be able to play," said Tiffany McCarthy of the Central City Soccer staff. "I've heard some of the parents say that our league is like a 'family' because we care about their kids just for who they are."
McCarthy said as a league they are praying for players and their families to attend games regularly, and for the players to love talking and hearing about Jesus.
Games run through August 2, with the awards banquet as the season finale on August 3.
By Jackie Wallentin
Walnut Creek Windsor Heights