On Sunday, October 18^th Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Inc. (NOW) and Plainfield Youth Soccer (PYS) will host a free soccer clinic at the NOW Blackwell Field in Canterbury for U6 – U10 players. The clinic will teach a variety of soccer skills to participants, with NOW staff offering fitness & nutrition education & activities.

All current COVID-19 guidelines will be followed to guarantee the safety of players and coaches. Safety measures will include: players and coaches being required to wear a face covering before and immediately after the clinic.  Masks may be removed while participating in drills, provided players are able to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other persons present. Players will also be asked to maintain physical distancing on the sidelines. Coaches will enforce the rule of no group celebrations or celebratory contact. Before being admitted onto the field for the clinic, each participant will be asked if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.  If individuals show any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 they will be sent home and instructed to contact their healthcare provider. Parents are welcome to watch the clinic. However, any parents that choose to watch on the sidelines will be required to wear a face covering.

NOW Executive Director Sarah Wolfburg expressed the importance of keeping children active despite the limitations presented by the pandemic, “Our organization’s mission is youth wellness and this year has presented unique challenges to keep children engaged in healthy activities. With the cooler weather setting in, it is important not to fall into unhealthy, sedentary habits. We want to do our part to offer opportunities for children to play in a safe way.”

Participants are encouraged to bring a soccer ball and will be required to arrive wearing shin guards with socks covering them. There is a limited quantity of balls and shin guards available if a player does not already have this equipment. To sign up for the October 18th clinic, CLICK HERE.

This is the second soccer clinic NOW has offered in collaboration with local youth recreation leagues over the summer and fall months. In August, NOW hosted a clinic with Neconn Soccer Club, which saw 35 children attend. NOW is also in the process of planning additional indoor youth clinics for the fall and winter months in collaboration with the Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center in Putnam. For more information on future events and programs offered by NOW, visit www.nowinmotion.org.