An Irvington soccer academy established by a township resident is holding its fall soccer clinic for eight weeks until November 11, 2006. The program is open to children, ages 5-14, and is being held on Saturdays at Chancellor Park from 9 am to 11:30 am, at a total cost of $30.

 

About 100 kids have enrolled in the Our Youth Soccer Academy since its creation in May 2006, when the first 8-week clinic was held.

 

The organization’s first major community event, Soccerfest, a day-long extravaganza featuring soccer lessons, giveaways of balls and T-shirts, food and entertainment, attracted almost 100 children to the park on September 16.

 

“We saw the need for this program, and decided to go for it,” according to founder Nduna Gora, who credited Mayor Wayne Smith for his prompt response in approving the park permit.

“Our program will help give urban kids the opportunity to learn a sport that is established in suburban communities,” said Gora. “This will keep them busy, while they play in a fun, safe environment,” he added.

 

Gora has enlisted Irvington High School boys’ and girls’ soccer coaches Raul Donoso and Paul Nunez, in addition to coaches Herbert Bell and Michael Gladstone for his program. All four are licensed with the U. S. Soccer Federation.

 

Donoso played soccer for IHS from 1965 to 1969, has served as the soccer coach there for 16 years, teaches physical education and health at the school, and is an instructor with the NJ Youth Soccer Association. The Irvington academy is a member of NJYSA.

 

A donation of 100 jerseys, shorts and socks for 100 kids was made by the Marlboro (NJ) Soccer Association; and 120 balls and 120 sets of shin guards were contributed by the retail outlet, Soccer Post, in South Jersey.

 

A former member of the Garden State soccer league, Gora said he plans to establish an Irvington-based league by the spring with an enrollment of approximately 150 to 200 participants.

 

There are about 150,000 youngsters playing organized soccer in NJ. For more information about the Our Youth Soccer Academy, call (973) 372-8842.

 

 

 

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