The Durango Youth Soccer Association and Fort Lewis College have joined forces to create a new soccer opportunity for youngsters in pre-K through third grade.
The new Mini Kickers Soccer School program will start this fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 12 to Oct. 19. The season will also include games on three Saturdays: Sept. 16, Sept. 30 and Oct. 14. Each session will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Fort Lewis College.
Skyhawks women’s soccer assistant coach and former player Hayley Hollenga will lead the Mini Kickers program, with Fort Lewis student-athletes helping as needed. Hollenga has an extensive background in youth player development.
The participants will learn the game in a pressure-free environment, with an emphasis on fun and basic skills.
“The biggest thing we’re trying to do is make it not results-based, but focus on getting them comfortable,” Hollenga said. “We want to make sure the games are fun and disguise learning within those games.”
She said the focus with the younger kids will be getting them comfortable with the ball and learning basic ball-control skills, while the older kids will do more passing and receiving drills.
“The main thing with these groups is learning where they’re at and how they develop,” Hollenga said. “With sports in general, I think it’s good for kids to come out and develop skills with other kids. Starting at 4 (years old) is fine if its done right and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
The program will cost $80 for the fall session and $80 for the spring session. However, people can register for both for $150.
For more information and to register, visit durangosoccer.com.
“Hopefully this should be a good partnership with the club and college,” Hollenga said. “Personally, I think it’s huge. When I was in school, I helped with the club; it’s another good way to have a relationship between the two.”
DYSA is also reestablishing an after-school program this fall at Animas Valley Elementary School. That program will take place Sept. 12 to Oct. 17, from 2:45-3:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Amanda Lopez, a former goalkeeping coach for the club, will lead the program. The program is free to students, and DYSA hopes to have the same level of participation -- around 60 kids -- it had before COVID-19.
colivas@durangoherald.com
