Casino Road Futbol Academy got some much-deserved press last weekend when they appeared on Washington's Most Wanted on Q13 Fox.
Everett Police Officer Manuel Garcia, once a professional soccer player in Mexico, talked about his soccer program that is bringing positive energy to kids in North Sound. "About 72% of the residents here on West Casino Road are considered under the poverty level. It's predominantly Hispanic, and kids here are probably more concentrated in that three block area than in any other part of the city of Everett," Garcia told Q13.
The dream started small for Garcia, but it wasn't long before the turn-out of kids grew and grew. "We started with 6 registered kids on the eve of the camp last year and we ended up with 256," he said in the story.
The Everett Police Department has jumped in to help sponsor kids who can't otherwise afford to be a part of the camp.Players can join this year's camp (June 22 - July 2)for $10.
More from the story:
9 year old Diego says playing soccer gives him something to look forward to. "A long time ago, I used to be really bored, and I started playing soccer, and got the hang of it, and then I started playing for fun."
Other campers said:
"It's making me accomplish more tasks, and I'm making friends."
"Yeah, it made me faster than I used to be. When I didn't play soccer I used to be really slow but when I play soccer I'm faster - and smarter!"
"Sometimes I hope that I'll be in soccer for the rest of my life. I want to be a professional soccer player.
Tynecastle FC is again partnering with Casino Road this year. See details here.
KING5 featured last year's camp:
Read More:
Snoho.com: Youth shine at soccer camp
Photos from the 2009 camp:
(Casino Road courtesy photos)
Comments
Awesome story! Thanks!
Stellar. Calling to sponsor some kids today.
This brought tears to my eyes. Is this being able to see the forest for the trees? Thanks for the story.
Great videos. Moving story. Everett? Who knew...
Its nice to see that the crooked EPD still have a least one program that benifits the community
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