Lil’ Panthers take advantage of Saturday program

March 1, 2009
Filed under Clubs/Organizations, Soccer, Sports

Francisco Acevedo
Staff Writer

The desire and the overall playing experience to play soccer starts most often begins at a young age. A great event for children to have lot of fun and make new friends is the Lufkin Soccer “Lil Panthers” Program which took place each Saturday in February at LHS Jasse Major Soccer field. The attendees were taught some basic soccer skills and had a chance to make new friends.

Captains Sterling Mayers, Michael Wall, Trey Freemen and Mark Laynan lead the practice stretch during the warm up. Other players and “Lil Panther” followed their lead during the practice drills.

“I love working with kids and I enjoy knowing that they are having a lot of fun playing with us,” said Meyers. “Keeping in mind that this is my last year with the team, I want to make it my best and have fun with the children one more time.”

During practice, the children gathered up in groups with a Varsity and a JV player and work on their drills.
“Knowing that the children have a lot of fun playing with us is such a joy and lets me realize that I can be their role model,” said Wall. “I try to have as much fun as I can and try to make them feel like part of the team.”

The kids had a lot of fun hanging out with the team and getting to know each other a lot and make new friends. The “Lil Panters” for attending the program are able to be recognized during the soccer games and can have a free admission to the game by wearing their panther T-shirt which was given to them dring practice. This was great event and idea which will be held every year.