Close to 100 children and adults with developmental disabilities will have the chance to improve their soccer skills and play in a professional stadium thanks to a new program announced by the Rochester Rhinos. Click on the link below to download the program application.
The Rhinos, in partnership with the Pieters Family Life Center, will offer soccer clinics starting this spring as part of a program called G.O.A.L.S. – Giving Opportunities to Athletes who Love Soccer. People who are members of the Life Center or who are active in classes there will have priority enrollment in the G.O.A.L.S. program. Other community members will be welcome as space allows.
The Rhinos have partnered with the Life Center in Henrietta because of its dedication to welcoming people of all abilities. The state-of-the-art health and wellness center is operated by Heritage Christian Services, which supports more than 1,500 children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Rhinos Assistant Coach Bill Sedgewick says, “It is the sincere and ongoing goal of the Rhinos organization and the players to engulf ourselves in the community in meaningful and genuine ways throughout the city of Rochester not only during the season but on a year-round basis. There will be some amazing relationships and memories forged throughout the summer with the G.O.A.L.S. program and the Pieters Family Life Center. It is an honor to be a part of this partnership.”
The soccer clinics, held at the Rhinos’ stadium, started in May and run through August. Each session includes drills, games and time for socializing and building relationships.
“At the Life Center, we provide a place where people of all abilities are on equal ground – a place where genuine friendships can be formed,” said Andrew Little, director of the Life Center. “The Rhinos share that philosophy. They are really dedicated to getting to know our athletes and their families. For them, this is just as much about building community as it is about playing soccer.”
ABOUT THE RHINOS
The Rhinos begin their 15th season of play on Saturday, April 10 in Miami, FL to take on the Miami FC Blues. Rochester opens its 2010 home slate at Marina Auto Stadium on Saturday, May 1 against the Carolina Rail Hawks at 7 p.m. Season tickets are on sale with packages starting at $35 in the supporters section and $99 in the General Admission and Reserved Seating sections. Call the Rochester Rhinos at 585-454-KICK (5425) to purchase.
ABOUT THE PIETERS FAMILY LIFE CENTER
The Pieters Family Life Center is owned by Heritage Christian Services and is located at 1025 Commons Way in Henrietta. It is a 21,000-square-foot health and wellness facility that has been nationally recognized for serving as a model for inclusive programming for people with and without disabilities. In addition to offering therapy services, the center runs arts and cultural activities, sports and fitness classes, and social events in its Garden Café. It is open to the public. For more information, visit:
www.pietersfamilylifecenter.org.