Soccer is now an extracurricular activity at The Varnett Public School.
The Northeast campus team took the field at the Southwest campus and played a spirited match in the district’s inaugural soccer contest. The event took place late Friday afternoon, February 17, 2023.
Both teams sported fancy new uniforms, with the Southwest team in green and Northeast in blue.
In the end, Southwest beat Northeast 6-1.
Dr. Toron Wooldridge, the Northeast campus director, had a ready explanation: “Our team never practiced," he said. "This was a cold turkey game.”
Mr. Keyon Gillens and Mr. Kendrick Donahoe coach the Southwest team and Mr. John-Michael Cook coaches the Northeast team.
According to World Vision, playing soccer helps kids build valuable life skills, such as hard work, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication. Through healthy competition, it also teaches the importance of teamwork and cooperation, balanced by good sportsmanship.
The Varnett parents were excited, too. On Saturday, February 18, 2023, a group volunteered to chalk the soccer field for a more inviting game-day experience.
The parents were Mr. Ivan Garcia, Mr. Carlos Iozoya, Mr. Juan Lozoya, Mr. Grisel Vasquez, Mr. Edgar Ramirez, Mr. Ervin Juarez and Mr. Ergin Vasquez.
“We would like to thank the parents who volunteered their time and effort to ensure that our student-athletes have the opportunity to play the game of soccer on an authentic playing field,” said Mr. Jesse Arps, the Southwest campus director.