ST. AUGUSTINE – Members from the Flagler College men’s and women’s soccer team, as well as the men’s basketball team, spend Thursday morning (Jan. 29) kicking the soccer ball around and shooting free throws with the students of Cathedral Parish School in an event called “Free Throws, Service and Kicks for Jesus”.
The Cathedral Parish School is a Kindergarten through eighth grade Catholic School in Saint Augustine. The event is a fundraiser for CPS where the students take pledges on how many goals or free throws they can make, with all proceeds going to St. Vincent de Paul Soceity. Throughout the morning the Flagler student-athletes are able to interact with local youth, helping them to meet their fundraising goals.
9125″This is something the kids look forward to for weeks and talk about all year,” said Nancy Clark, a third grade teacher at CPS. “It’s great for the Flagler athletes to come out and just be good examples for the little kids. They encourage the kids to make good grades and work hard. It’s really all about making memories and trying to connect with the children, it makes a huge impact in their lives.”
Free Throws, Service and Kicks for Jesus is an event that the men’s basketball team and soccer program has participated in for four years and is beneficial for both the youth athletes involved as well as the collegiate athletes. The event helps in more ways than one, as it allows the older athletes to get involved with the local youth, while the youth are able to raise money for less fortunate families.
“I’m delighted that we were invited to participate in the Kicks for Jesus program this morning at Cathedral Parish School. Community service is an important facet of Flagler Athletics, something in which we take real pride,” said women’s soccer head coach Ashley Martin. “This event is one that the kids of CPS look forward to all year long, which was clear to see in their enthusiasm. The morning was packed with fun and goals, and all for a great cause.”
All 16 teams in the Flagler athletics department are dedicated to serving the community and finding ways to give back all throughout the year. Flagler student-athletes volunteer their time at organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish Foundation and many Breast Cancer Organizations. When they’re not excelling on the field and in the classroom, Flagler student-athletes can often be found working hard to make a difference in people’s lives.
“It’s a pleasure to come out here and serve the community, it’s something we love doing every year,” said men’s soccer player Caleb Austin.
Source: http://www.flaglerathletics.com/news/2015/1/29/MBB_0129150444.aspx?path=mbball
