BOISE -- As soccer fans get ready to cheer on their favorite team at the Basque Soccer Friendly this Saturday, soccer fever is already hitting children in our community.
Happening at Cassia Park in Boise Thursday was a soccer celebration clinic ahead of the world class soccer event coming to Albertsons Stadium on Saturday. This clinic is designed to get children out and active, and to pick up a few skills in the sport of soccer along the way.
For those just learning the game, this soccer celebration clinic is all about fun, while learning expert advice from the Boise State and College of Idaho women's soccer teams.
St. Luke's Community Health Manager Kristin Armstrong says it's also about teaching kids the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
"Really teaching kids about how important activity is, how important it is to eat healthy is, how important it is to wear sunscreen," said Armstrong. "So there's just a lot of safety and health messages that we're able to get out to the kids out here."
St. Luke's partnered with a number of community businesses and organizations to offer about 1,000 children ages 6 to 12 a chance to pass and kick. Clinics were held Thursday in Caldwell and Boise just two days ahead of the Basque Soccer Friendly.
"The ability to have such a world class event come to Boise, Idaho. I think you have to realize what's happening here. This is a really big deal for Idaho," said Armstrong.
Athletic Bilbao and Club Tijuana will square off Saturday night at Albertsons Stadium for the international professional soccer match.
"And so we wanted to make it an even bigger deal because a lot of these kids out here that we're teaching soccer to, they're not going to be able to actually get to the game, and so for those who can't get to the game, we should still enjoy the celebration of having the game here in Idaho," said Armstrong.
There is another round of soccer clinics Friday. Armstrong says she hopes to continue the soccer clinics next year at even more communities.
There are a few spots left open at the Friday afternoon clinic. For more information, contact the Nampa Parks and Recreation Department. You'll find more information at their website.
