By NATE KING
Salina Post
Mark your calendars! Registration for Soccer Fest opens Friday July 28.
Soccer Fest is scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Salina Soccer Complex, 2100 E. Magnolia. The fun day of games, skills, and drills is open to all skill levels, from never played to club level, according to information from 99KG's Shane McClintock.
The event is scheduled to be led by McClintock and Salina South 5A State Champion-winning coach, Dave Ouderkirk.
"I wanted to do something that was geared towards really focusing on the passion for soccer and the fun of soccer," Ouderkirk said. "An opportunity for anybody and everybody to participate, no matter what their skill level."
McClintock told Salina Post he first started playing soccer as a kid, but his family couldn't afford the pricey tuition fees for soccer camps and academies.
"As a kid, I played soccer- even though I was decent, I was never confident enough to attend a camp or an academy for soccer," McClintock said. "The other reason was my mom or dad wouldn't have been able to afford it. Dave and I have been coaching together for a while now, and I shot him this idea of Soccer Fest. It's only $9.99 and pretty much just covers costs.
McClintock said last year Soccer Fest sold 90% of the available slots within the first couple of hours after registration opened.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 17 there are less than 30 spots left.
Schedule of Events
👉🏻 9-10 arrive
👉🏻 10-11 session
👉🏻 11-12 lunch
👉🏻 12-1 session
👉🏻 1-2 pizza
👉🏻 DONE @ 2!!!
➡️ REGISTER HERE salinasoccer.org
Participants are to receive a free soccer jersey courtesy Marshall Motors and Copy Co. and free soccer socks and shin guards courtesy Salina Walmart.
Lunch will be provided by Lucky D's BBQ-Catering Pork sandwiches and hotdogs grilled from Sams Club.
The After Party, 1-2 p.m., will feature Bounce-A-Roos, LLC and Bouncer Express & Papa John's Pizza.
Ouderkirk said Sports Physician Dr. Andrew Westbrooke will be at the event to ensure the event is safe for all participants.
"With the heat and just the fact that we're doing something sports-related and in case somebody gets hurt, we will have a sports physician right there on site," Ouderkirk said.
Due to the high temperatures last year, event organizers have adjusted the schedule of events.
"Last year we had a couple of kids that just needed to go sit in the shade and It's lots of soccer and lots of play so we've shortened the sessions just a little bit, so it's not quite as long and maybe doesn't take quite the physical toll," Ouderkirk said.
Kansas Wesleyan University Men's Soccer Coach and soccer players from Kansas Wesleyan will also be at the event to help instruct and "kick the ball around" with participants.
"This event is in conjunction with Kansas Wesleyan, and the new head men's coach.," Ouderkirk said. "What we do is a session where the kids get to play and then while they're not playing, the Kansas Wesleyan players, and any other high school players that we have out there, will be showing them some basic skills and kicking the ball around."
Parents are encouraged to stay and watch, but drop-offs are allowed.