Students Share Passion for Soccer with Kids: Photogallery

As an intern with Restoration Ministries in Harvey, Illinois, Brittany Lee ’10 recently melded her passion for soccer with her experience of working with youth.

Lee, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, is a psychology major and member of the women’s soccer team.

With the help of the men’s soccer team, Lee conducted a soccer clinic on Saturday, April 24, for the kids she works with at Restoration Ministries. On campus, the group of nearly 30 children was divided into small groups, each led by a member of the men’s team.

“The kids had a great time and our guys did such a fantastic job,” Lee said.

Trolls players taught the kids basic shooting, passing, and dribbling skills along with fun drills in specific areas of the field.

“This clinic was a chance for the men’s soccer team to connect with a group of less fortunate kids, setting examples of strong character and possibly leading them to Christ through soccer,” said Taylor Conrad ’11 of Colorado Spring, Colorado.

Lunch break gave Trinity students a time to connect with the kids individually.

“Each of our guys reached out to a couple of the kids, showing them attention and love.” said Osvaldo Montelongo ’11 of Omaha, Nebraska.

Conrad, who has also volunteered to work with the kids at Restoration Ministries, said that in addition to providing another way to help the children, the experience also enabled each player to grow as a person as well as a team. “It’s a great feeling to know I can be counted on and make a difference playing the sport I love,” he said.

Concluding the afternoon, the enthusiastic group of children watched the men’s soccer team scrimmage against Prairie State College. They seemed encouraged by the time, love, and attention the Trinity students had shown to them.

Junior Eric Jensema of Oostburg, Wisconsin, gave credit and expressed gratitude to Lee for the work she’s done through her internship and for taking the initiative to organize the event.