Soccer Team Visits Arcadia Elementary School
9/6/2007 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- The University of Alabama women’s soccer team took two hours out of their day before the home opener tomorrow to introduce the new team to their adopt-a -school Arcadia Elementary in Tuscaloosa.
The Crimson Tide soccer team has been frequent visitors at Arcadia Elementary School for over the past 12 years. Each member of the Tide soccer team is paired with an individual teacher or classroom for the entire school year. The Tide player will visit her classroom throughout the season on a regular basis.
“We have such a wonderful relationship with Arcadia, it really gives our team an identity,” head coach Don Staley said. “Not only are we giving back to the school but they are giving back to us as well with the support of the Alabama soccer program and the relationships that are formed between the students at Arcadia and the players.”
As the Tide arrived at Arcadia today they were greeted by signs and banners students had made for their favorite Bama player. As all the students piled into the school gymnasium chants of “Roll Tide” were soon heard throughout the halls.
Coach Staley and his staff greeted the children and handed out assorted Alabama soccer prizes, such as water bottles, t-shirts and seat cushions. After introducing the 2007 Crimson Tide team to the students, they girls put on a skills display lead by coach Staley. A few lucky Arcadia students even got to try and dribble a soccer ball or take a header.
“Coach Staley and his team are a strong underlying role of support for our children,” Arcadia principal Mary Jean Sutton said. “The Crimson Tide players are great role models for the students, because they are examples of setting goals and working to achieve them, both academically and physically.”
As the assemble in the gymnasium concluded each Crimson Tide player headed to their chosen classroom to meet the students they would be interacting with all year. After a question and answer period the Tide returned to the practice field with their homemade signs in hand to prepare for tomorrows match up.
“These players are not just ??heroes’ because of their soccer skills or academic abilities, but also because they take time to be a part of the lives of the students at Arcadia,” Principal Sutton added.
The 2-0 Crimson Tide will play their home opener tomorrow at the UA Soccer Complex vs. Kennesaw State. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
-UA-
