Fife ‘kidz’ love soccer

Photo by jill russell

The city of Fife is giving youth the chance to bend it like Beckham through the Kidz Love Soccer (KLS) program. The clinics take place at Dacca Park in Fife through August 27. Bob Gray, the program’s general manager, said there are still available spots for those who are interested.

“New sessions are always exciting and always a lot of work,” said Gray.

The program has partnered with Fife since the fall of 2007. Gray explained coaches emphasize the “S-E-L-F” acronym – sportsmanship, effort, learning and fun. Participants will also have an opportunity to learn skills like ball mastery, through group games.

“There is a emphasis on non-competitive,” said Gray. Practices will be once a week for eight weeks, he added.

There are no actual games and no pressure to be the best.

“When we scrimmage, the score is always, fun to fun,” said Gray. “We want to teach the kids, soccer is not just about winning. It’s about having good sportsmanship too.”

Perhaps the most important mission of KLS is to provide all participants with a positive attitude and well-rounded framework, which Gray said helps the children develop into young athletes.

Before getting involved with the program, Gray worked in sales. His wife had been working for the KLS organization for several years before he got involved.

“My first coaching job with KLS sort of happened by accident,” said Gray.

 When several coaches suddenly quit during one season, Gray was asked to help as a support coach at the last minute.

“I came out and that was the end,” he said. “I loved it.”

For Gray, the most rewarding part of the program is that the families do not forget the service you are giving them. When a shy child breaks out of the shell, or when a developmentally delayed participant feels like they are part of the team, Gray knows that he made the right decision.

“I like to think that we are not just creating the next great soccer player, we are creating the next great person.”

Interested families can register with the Fife Parks and Recreation Department at (253) 922-0900. Please note that all students must have shin guards and knee-high socks when participating. Gray adds that scholarships are available for families needing financial assistance. However, he adds the scholarship applications are strict because coaches want to ensure families needing the most help receive assistance.

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