On Sept. 19, student-athletes from the Willowbrook varsity soccer team visited the Jefferson Wildcats’ after-school practice.
Willowbrook varsity soccer coach Al Ramirez and assistant coach Molly Salerno said the visit was part of the team’s community outreach and service program. After visiting Jackson Middle School’s team in August, they also wanted to provide a session at Jefferson.
Ramirez and Salerno led the Wildcats through drills, with varsity players joining the action.
“Right now, we are teaching some basic skills. These are called takeovers,” said Ramirez. “We’re working on first touch, second touch, pass, movement off the ball. All basic things that kids should know by the time they get to high school.”
For Ramirez, the goal is to get students involved in soccer and to keep them involved. “Hopefully, when they get to Willowbrook, they play for our program,” he said. Ramirez added that in addition to school teams, young players can join club soccer.
Jefferson Middle School coach Matthew Kulovits said he was grateful for the visit. “It’s a nice way to bridge our students with the high school program, and to welcome back some former Jefferson students.”
Ramirez said the high school program is growing, with new players learning the game. He noted that participation increased from 90 students last year to 110 this year.