After a successful trip to KC back in August, the members of Nixa Soccer Club wanted to host a Sporting KC clinic right at home in their backyard.
Sporting Kansas City staff members, along with Seth Sinovic and the 2012 MLS Defender of the Year, Matt Besler, headed down to Nixa, Missouri last week, and the event couldn’t have gone any better. Over 70 children and teens from the area laced up and participated in an on-field clinic led by the travelling coaches and players of Sporting KC. Following that, everyone headed inside Nixa High School to escape the cold and get a chance to learn a little more about Besler and Sinovic.
Speaking about the clinic, Nixa Soccer Club President Tim Sterling said that, “The professional approach and personal touch that the staff and players presented was top notch. I know we could host another clinic in the future that would be even bigger and better.”
Andrew Anello, an 11-year old Nixa SC player, was ecstatic following the clinic, saying “after being around everyone from Sporting KC, I want to play for them someday instead of in the English Premier League. I am from here and Sporting KC is my favorite team – they are awesome!” He hopes someday he can play at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park and be considered a “hometown hero” to the soccer faithful of KC.
As the kids asked questions and got autographs from the players, Nixa SC board members sat down with the the staff to discuss the best way to continue working together in the future. This immediately led to a discussion about the Sporting Club Network, and we were more than happy to extend an invitation to Nixa Soccer Club.
“We have seen continued growth and support in Southwest Missouri, and are excited to make Nixa the first Network member in the greater Springfield area," Sporting Club Network manager Kristin Bock said. "It is important for us to not only reach youth clubs and players within the greater Kansas City Metro area, but also beyond to help grow the game of soccer.”
We are proud to say that with Nixa Soccer Club’s inclusion into the Sporting Club Network, they become the 30th organization to join, marking a milestone in a period of excellent growth and development of this program. The 2013 season is shaping up to be even more successful and exciting, and we can’t wait for it to come.
To view photos from our offseason trip to Nixa, check out the slideshow below. And if your club is interested in having a similar experience as Nixa Soccer Club, or would like to learn more about the Sporting Club Network, contact Liam O’Connell at loconnell@sportingkc.com.
