BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Austin Shorter spent Friday night in the stands at UMBC Stadium cheering for Crystal Palace USA during its 3-0 victory over Pittsburgh, but on Saturday, the 11-year-old got to play with the professional team.

Shorter was among 220 kids who spent a few hours at Tick Neck Park in Pasadena learning from the team’s players how to improve their skills during a free clinic sponsored by Chick-fil-A.

“[On Friday], it was nice seeing them play and I learned a lot,” Shorter said. “Then coming here [Saturday], and letting them teach us more about the game was fun.”

Said Peter Roberts, 9, of Pasadena: “I had a lot of fun. I got to meet the players from Crystal Palace.”

Crystal Palace, which plays in the United Soccer League, was coming off season-opening victory over the Riverhounds at UMBC Stadium in front of a crowd of 3,104. The team has taken part in many youth clinics as a way of introducing children to soccer.

“There are only 750 professional soccer players in all of the United States. Thirty of them are here right now,” said Crystal Palace coach Jim Cherneski. “It’s kind of an honor for these kids, and it’s an honor for us to be able to interact with the community.”

Blast Hall of Famer Mike Stankovic was also at the clinic, working with kids and showing off his skills.

Children at the clinic improved their skills in a variety of ways, from running drills to scrimmaging with the Crystal Palace players.

“We got to learn some skills that we don’t usually learn at a regular practice,” said Brady Shuck, 11, of Pasadena. “It was fun.”

avitelli@baltimoreexaminer.com