Abundant Life will hold week of soccer, biblical lessons
Abundant Life Church in Uniontown will provide a week of soccer training for youths who play at all levels while also re-enforcing biblical lessons and Christian role models. On Goal Soccer Camp will be at Abundant Life, located at 1239 Brownfield Road, Uniontown, Tuesday, June 12, through Saturday, June 16. There will be a half-day camp from 9 a.m. to noon for boys and girls entering kindergarten and first grade, who are called MicroStars.
A full-day camp is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for boys and girls entering second through eighth grades.
A brochure about the camp noted On Goal promotes “The Total Player,’ which means to play with passion, skill, play together, play with honor and with purpose.
“Our Total Player philosophy of coaching encourages the development of the young athlete’s physical, mental and spiritual characteristics,’ read the brochure. “We encourage a passion for the game, commitment to learning, dedication to fair play and a purpose in competition.’
Locally, Denny and Tammy Marzano, members of Abundant Life, are coordinating the camp, but noted that On Goal is providing the staff, which includes licensed soccer coaches and current collegiate soccer players.
“Some of the staff have played professionally as well,’ noted Mrs. Marzano.
In addition, Marzano noted there is a daily Bible lesson or Bible story.
“Sometimes there’s a biblical character or a story related to a Christian athlete,’ said Marzano. “It challenges the kids to have a closer relationship with the Lord.’
On Goal also provides the curriculum for the lessons, which includes a workbook.
Abundant Life came into contact with On Goal, which is based out of Cincinnati, because Marzano played college soccer with one of the directors, Roger Swigart.
“On Goal is trying to expand its ministry and to partner with local churches in northern Ohio, Michigan and some states in the Midwest,’ said Marzano. “Roger Swigart and I are friends and we talked sometimes in the past about expanding the ministry and Abundant Life was gracious enough to open its doors.’
Mrs. Marzano mentioned her husband has “a heart for soccer and a heart for ministry, which led him to pursue this with Abundant Life.’
But how does the match of soccer and Christian ideals work?
“Obviously, kids enjoy playing games and it’s not just soccer – there’s a lot of small side games and kids are always looking for some type of role models. They do it in a way that shows role models in professional soccer players and Christian athletes,’ said Marzano.
He said of soccer, “It’s a growing sport in our area and we feel it’s a great way to pull kids in and expose them to soccer and the church. …On Goal is trying to develop their physical attributes and spiritual attributes.’
Mrs. Marzano said about 20 youths are registered for the camp but the couple would like to see as many as 50 youths participate.
“Everyone who registers gets a shirt and a ball,’ she said. “Saturday is a soccer festival from 9 to 3. We’re encouraging families to come. They’ll do a World Cup competition in the morning, then a picnic lunch and then awards.’
For more information and to register, call Denny Marzano at 724-425-9700 or 724-984-7388 or visit the church’s Web site at www.myabundantlife.org.