WOLFPACK  WOMENS SOCCER TO RAISE FUNDS FOR Y WOMENS SHELTER




For Release: March 4, 2009

Kamloops, BC—One goal of going to University is to improve yourself as you grow.  Soccer player Shantelle Cooper is a perfect example.  Over the five years that she has attended Thompson Rivers University,  Cooper has not only matured as a student, but also as a person.  The WolfPack Women’s Soccer co-captain initiated a number of events for her and her teammates to be involved with.   They have given blood, been a part of the Strikes for Tykes fundraiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and now she is spearheading one final event.

Cooper got the idea to help the YWCA Women’s Emergency Shelter.  But what to do?  She came to TRU Sports Information Officer Larry Read who suggested to do something that the girls new best: soccer.   As a result, the Wolfpack Women’s Soccer team will be hosting a clinic for mini and youth players in the Kamloops Area on  Sunday April 5 th.

The WolfPack players (many of whom learned to play through Kamloops Youth Soccer), will be acting as the instructors.   Assistant coaches Glen Archer and  Kelly Shantz and even Men’s co-head coach Sean Wallace have volunteered to help.    The City of Kamloops has been gracious enough to waive user fees for Hillside Stadium once they heard that any money made from the event will go directly towards the Shelter.

“We are really excited about hosting the clinic”, says Cooper.  “We are holding it at a time of year which will help the younger players because it’s the start of the season.”

Both KYSA and Soccerquest (who run their own clinics) have agreed not to hold one on April 5 th to give maximum exposure to the WolfPack event.   In fact, KYSA and WolfPack head coach Tom McManus was able to put information about the event on their website just hours after hearing about it.  He too, will be checking in to see if he is needed.

“We aren’t sure how many kids are going to show up,” Cooper explains.  “That’s why we are asking people to pre register.”
Right now, plans are to run a pair of two hour clinics.   Players in U-5 to U-10 will go from 10 am to Noon on April 5 th.  That’ll be followed by U-11 to U-18 players from Noon-2 pm. 
 
Registration is by donation.  It’s recommended though that  $10.00.  Parents will have to sign a waiver for their child on the day of the event.  You should reserve a space by emailing Larry Read at lread@tru.ca  or calling (250) 377-6117.   Numbers will be limited.