World Footy News

Twenty two boys and girls aged 6 to 12 participated in two USFooty Kids clinics held in Arlington, VA on July 8 2006 and July 22 2006. Chris Adams and Denis Ryan (USFooty Kids National Coordinator) conducted the clinics with the help of players and coaches of the Baltimore Washington Eagles. Judging by the big smiles on the faces of the players, coaches and parents everyone had a great time!

The clinic started with some warm up games including "scarecrow tag" and "sharks and minnows" and some "ball stretching". The players worked in pairs to pass the ball from one to the other.

After the warmups and a cool drink (as the day was starting to get hot), the players, coaches and some parents worked on some skills in pairs. We did some catching, some handpassing and some kicking. The players were shown the basics of the drop punt and practiced kicking the ball back and forth with their partner. After practicing these skills we also practiced some bouncing, first with one knee down and then from a standing position.

This skills part of the clinics was followed by games to teach field awareness and practice kicking and picking up the ball. We played a game of "get the ball" in which four teams compete to be the first to get 4 (or 5) balls to their base. In the basic version, each player ran to get the ball, and then we did some hopping and finally we allowed handpassing back to the coach at each base.

After a drink of water everyone was ready for the big game. The players were split into two teams, the yellow team were the Eagles and the blue team were the Blues. The game started well for the Blues with some great shots at goal but nothing on target. The Eagles were the first to claim a major with great work and persistence by Cullen Boone. The Blues countered with some great passing and ball movement by Parker Magness.

The Blues were able to draw closer with a brilliant (if I don't say so myself) handpass to Will Siegal who finished off with a great goal. Not to be outdown the Eagles kept pressing with great work by C.J. Adams in collecting the ball and putting shots on goal. Despite great efforts by the Blues, the Eagles were able to hold on to win the game.

After a great game the players collected their goodie bags including AFL Auskick backpacks and caps (generously provided by Denis Ryan and the AFL), AFL Eagles and Blues goodies and junior memberships to the Baltimore Washington Eagles.

Thanks to everyone who took part and helped make these clinics such a great success!