This donation-based program gives students the opportunity to learn from experts, and coaches can use the funds to settle in Denver.
DENVER — Juan Pirela spent nine years as a professional soccer player in Venezuela. He grew up with a love for sports and it was always his dream to play at an elite level.
Pirela and his family decided to immigrate to the United States from Venezuela and arrived in Denver five months ago. Since then, he has held his three soccer clinics to help children learn basic drills and techniques and assist those who want to play again. He coaches with two other relatives of his who also played professionally.
“Basically, we lived for football. It's a passion, it's a love, it's something we've dreamed of since we were kids,” Pirela said in his native Spanish. “I spent nine years as a professional soccer player and lived for soccer. As I like to say, they paid me to kick the ball. But in this country The economic situation forced us to migrate.”
On Sunday, a clinic was open only to students at Valdez Elementary School in north Denver. Twenty-two students enrolled in her two-hour clinic. All students are bilingual due to Valdez's dual language immersion program.
“It felt really cool and special, because not everyone can do it,” said Luciana, a student who attended Sunday's clinic.
“I think it means a lot to them that they love the game of soccer, and all they want to do is help teach the soccer they love to the kids and the community.” said Lori Conway, who brought her son to several soccer fields. Former clinic.
“He and his father watch professional soccer every Saturday morning, but he just watches old Messi and Ronaldo games on YouTube,” Conway said of her 5-year-old son. “Learning from professional soccer players is exactly what he wants to do. So yeah, he's very excited about it.”
Conway is currently working with three coaches to help spread the word and hold additional clinics. Sunday's event raised about $500 for the coaches and was the largest turnout to date based on the number of students in attendance.
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