NIC men's soccer gives back with youth clinic

The North Idaho College men's soccer team hosted a youth clinic Monday, March 31 through Wednesday, April 2 at the Marimn Health Coeur Center soccer field in Worley.

The clinic, which ran from 8 a.m. to noon each day, brought more than 40 kids in to develop their soccer skills under the guidance of NIC players and coaches. 

"We wanted to come down and check out the field and to give back to the community and kids and teach them some things," NIC Head Men's Soccer Coach Brad Williams said. 

The clinic offered a variety of activities focused on showing kids the basics of soccer fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, shooting and teamwork. Participants ranged in age from 6 to 11 years old. 

"Clinics like this are really important to help show kids there's something else after they are little, like playing in college," Williams said. "That's why we brought our players down, to be able to show them some skills but also to hopefully inspire some young soccer players in our community."

NIC soccer player Kael McGowan said that soccer clinics like this one are fun to be a part of because it helps teach and introduce kids to the sport.

"I enjoy these events because it also helps me connect with the younger kids coming up in the sport," McGowan said. "It's fun to see them get up, get out and just play some soccer."