Holiday soccer sessions set to return

OVER the past several school holiday breaks, Buninyong’s De Soza Park has become a home to budding young soccer players who are looking to socially take up the sport.

For several summers, Mount Helen man Alan Clark has been arranging holiday soccer training sessions at the park for late primary and early secondary school aged kids without the worry of preparing for competitions.

With the new year arriving and no school for most children until just before February, he’s planning to bring the free weekly sessions back on Monday 1 January.

Mr Clark said the get-togethers are first and foremost about having fun.

“It’s a sport I’ve had a lot of fun from and now I want to return some of that and see if I can engender some of that among the kids,” he said.

“Some of the most fun I had as a kid was just going to the local park and playing a scratch game with whoever turned up. That’s the type of fun aspect I’m looking to bring here.

“The idea of having it at De Soza is because of how central it is to Buninyong life. People can come by and see this going on and decide if they want to join.”

Running from 10am to about 11am and focusing on ball skills and basic drills, the sessions will take place each Monday until school starts up again.

The sessions can cater for between eight to 10 kids.

A veteran player of about 50 years, Mr Clark currently coaches as part of Big Issue’s Community Street Soccer Program in Ballarat and Melton.

“I’ve had a lifetime in the game,” he said. “It was the only sport in my childhood and I’ve been a competition player, coach and referee all my adult life.

“I stopped my week-to-week involvement a few years ago when I retired as a ref, but I’d been coaching Melbourne-based clubs including some well-credentialed ones but mostly at community level.”

Sarah Rabl has been taking her daughters Kate and Jane to the sessions since early last year and said it’s been a great source of outdoor fun for her children.

“We just saw Alan and asked what was going on and we’ve been going ever since,” she said.

“He’s so great with the kids, very patient and kind. Both the girls have a great time every time. It’s a nice social activity for the holidays.

“Kate was born at 24 weeks and has never done well in sports for that reasons so I think Alan’s gentle approach has really helped her get more involved in soccer.

“I see skills now she’s never been able to develop otherwise.”

Jane said taking part in the soccer sessions have made her more interested in the sport.

“Alan’s a very good teacher and it’s got us watching the Matildas which is nice,” she said.

“I’ve learned a lot here. I think for now we’ll stick with Alan and yard practice instead of competitions.”

Participating kids can turn up to each session unannounced so long as they bring suitable playing clothing.

Soccer balls and other equipment will be provided.