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The Player Development Department Heads Back To School

By OSA News, 05/19/15, 9:00AM EDT

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With the Woman's World Cup just around the corner, the OSA's Player Development Department is taking the opportunity to head into schools to promote the game of soccer as well as encourage students to play the game. 

Last week saw a visit by the deparment to Zone Township Central Elementary School in Bothwell, Ontario. Students from grade 3-8 participated in soccer activities under the supervision of Regional Player Development Manager Carl Horton.

"The students participated in Physical Literacy activities that included movements with and without the ball, 1v1 activities and competitions, as well as small-sided-game activities that were all age and stage appropriate and inline with LTPD," Horton said. 

Roughly 100 children participated in the day, some of the students having soccer experience from playing within local club environments in the Chatham–Kent area, as well as some students with no to very little experience. 

School teachers were also on hand at each session to help out were needed. During each session the teachers also had the opportunity for education and to see how the game has changed and evolved over the recent years. The teachers also had the opportunity during each session to chat and ask questions about the specific sessions that were being conducted.

"Carl's teaching style makes a lot of sense. He draws the kids in, and gives them the confidence to improve their physical literacy skills. Our students were engaged from the moment they met Carl. He provided them with a variety of soccer experiences that fit their skill level and empowered them to own their game" Heather Delanghe, Grade 8 teacher at Zone Township Central Elementary School, said. 

"It was a great day to connect with the children at the elementary school, provide them with some soccer activities and have a lot of fun while being physically active," Horton said. 

The Player Development Department has more schools visits planned across Ontario prior to the schools closing up for summer vacation. For more information on how to have the Player Development Department attend your school please contact the department.