The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) is launching PLAY2EMPOWER, an after-school program designed to benefit the youth of Kansas City and emphasize the concept that hard work, a positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle can lead to a brighter future.

“The NSCAA is an association with a national scope, but we also want to have a positive impact in our home community in the Kansas City metro area,” said NSCAA CEO and Executive Director Joe Cummings. “This program provides an opportunity to our member coaches in the area and our national office staff, with the assistance from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, to teach not only soccer skills, but life skills as well."

Based on the principle that sports participation can have a positive impact on a child’s life, the NSCAA developed Play2Empower using on-field experiences to build confidence and instill positive characteristics among our youth. The program’s goal is to empower children to strive for success by giving them an opportunity to meet and train with highly talented coaches and athletes.

The Play2Empower sessions will be held at City Park in Kansas City, Kan., located at City Park Drive and South Grandview Blvd., throughout the month of April, starting on Monday, April 11, 2011. The program will be divided into three separate age-appropriate sessions and will run Monday through Friday from 3:30-5 p.m., with Wednesday start times varied based on early dismissals. Each session will target a different age group, ranging from 5-14 year olds.The primary focus of the program is soccer training. Each day, children will participate in a number of drills and game-related activities that foster a healthy atmosphere of friendly competition. Integrated into the soccer program is a daily “chalk talk” which includes an autograph session with Sporting KC players, a question and answer session with collegiate soccer players and a nutritional presentation by the University of Kansas Medical Center. The week-long session will conclude with an awards ceremony each Friday.

In addition to the Play2Empower program, the NSCAA will make a significant impact on the Kansas City area in January 2012 when its annual Convention will be held at the Kansas City Convention Center January 11-15. Known as “The World’s Largest Annual Gathering of Soccer Coaches,” the NSCAA Convention draws more than 4,000 coaches each year for five days of coaching education, recognition programs and networking opportunities. Featured events on the Convention program include the nation’s largest soccer-specific trade show, the Major League Soccer SuperDraft and the Women’s Professional Soccer draft. The NSCAA Convention generates an economic impact of more than $14 million for its host city each year.

For more information or regarding the NSCAA’s Play2Empower program, contact Kate Incerto in the NSCAA Marketing Department at (913) 362-1747, ext. 1023. 

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