As part of the Long Island Junior Soccer League’s camp partnership with the New York Red Bulls, President Addie Mattei-Iaia recently awarded the Brentwood Soccer Club and club president Violette Smith a spot in the Red Bulls’ Urban Soccer Program. As a result, 45 players and three coaches will be enrolled in the free program that is meant to serve as an outreach program for urban communities in the Tri-State area.
“Violette Smith and her staff of volunteers have done so much for the Brentwood community,” Mattei-Iaia said. “Through the game of soccer, she has provided countless opportunities for personal and athletic growth for so many children. This program will provide her with even more resources to continue the great work that is already being done.”
The goal of the program is to help engage children in physical activity and use soccer as a vehicle to teach life skills, encourage the values of team-work, and promote discipline, confidence, and self-esteem. The program is offered at no cost to organizations located in economically disadvantaged communities and includes summer camps, clinics, coach education workshops, player appearances, and programming advice.