From backyard to professional pitch: Workshop gives opportunity to young aspiring players
Kids who have never played league soccer but have been eager to step on a professional turf are getting their first opportunity to shine.
Thanks to a microgrant from Soccer Canada, the Windsor Soccer Club hosted a Free Kicks Day at the Novelletto Rosati Complex on Saturday.
The event aims to introduce newcomers to Canada to local leagues while offering kids aged seven to 18 an opportunity to dive into the world of soccer.
Eleven-year-old Samir Khankharoti said, prior to Saturday's camp, he had only played soccer at school and with a few friends outside on weekends.
"I love it," he said.
For most young fans of the sport, it's common for them to only play soccer with friends at recess or at home alone in the backyard, according to Victoria Rose, a board member with the Windsor Soccer Club.
"Most of the children who are out here today and have never actually played in an organized sport before. They go out after school and play for hours until it gets dark. We know this happens in a lot of our neighborhoods," said Rose.
"So today lets them know there are leagues in the area. If they want to get into the organized sport, we're here to welcome them."
Individuals who dropped in for Free Kicks Day were treated to a skills training session with the Windsor Soccer Club's technical director and were able to able to participate in an indoor game on a professional turf.
"For the people that came out today, it's great to see them on the field," said Rose.
Another one of those individuals was Attal Waqar, 11, who has dreams of becoming a soccer player when he is older.
"I was so excited when I came here,” said Waqar. “It feels so cool to play here.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.