Local soccer tourney program underway

HOUSTON The three schools that are part of the Minute Maid Soccer After School program are Jane Long, Johnston and Sharpstown Middle Schools. The schools began the program last year as a pilot program. This program was so successful that Minute Maid has continued to fund the program for fall 2007 and spring 2008 seasons.

Fred Arnold, Manager of Global Events at Minute Maid, created this program and works in a collaborative partnership with HISD Strategic Partnerships and Houston Parks and Recreation Department to coordinate the Minute Maid Soccer After School Program.

Students receive free healthy snacks during tutorials before practices, free uniforms, free soccer shoes, free shin guards and Minute Maid also provides tickets and transportation to a Dynamo game at the end of the season.

At each of the three schools, twice a week, coaches hold tutorials for students and then hold practices on the field. Following Thursday's mini-tournament at Jane Long Middle School (all three schools compete), there are five other mini-tournaments beginning at 4:30pm on April 4, April 11, April 17, April 24 and May 2.

A Grand Tournament at Delmar Stadium will be held at the end of the season, at a date and time to be announced.

- Send us your sports story tips
- Click here for more sports stories