LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
A new program in Fort Simpson is promoting both physical literacy and basic soccer skills.

Warren Cli maneuvers a soccer ball during a game of keep away that was part of the sports skills and soccer program on Nov. 30. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Alison Brown started leading the sports skills and soccer program on Nov. 9. The program, which runs every Saturday from 2 to 3:15 p.m. in the recreation center, is aimed at students in classes four to six.

Brown said she wanted to offer a program that would keep students active and strengthen their skills for soccer. There is no year-round soccer program for students in those classes.

Although she was already thinking about running a weekly session, Brown said she got a boost of confidence to do so while attending a coaching symposium offered by Sport North in Yellowknife in late October. The symposium stressed the importance of physical literacy and getting youth active.

Physical literacy and learning how to do fundamental movements like running, jumping and dribbling are beneficial throughout life, said Brown. They help with co-ordination, balance and agility and the prevention of injury. If people don't learn these skills as children they can be difficult to develop as adults, she said.

During the weekly sessions Brown uses a variety of techniques to develop the skills in the youth. Running and soccer drills are interspersed with games like life-size rock, paper and scissors.

"I do like the different drills that we practice," said Patrick Tate.

Tate, a regular participant, said he likes playing in the soccer games that always end each session.

"I do like being active and running around," said the 10 -year-old.

The concluding soccer game is also Sage Fabre-Dimsdale's favourite part of the program.

"I like competing against other people," Fabre-Dimsdale said.

Soccer is the 11-year-old's favourite sport. There are a lot of opportunities to travel for games and tournaments, he said.

The last session for this year was held on Nov. 30. Brown said the program will resume on the weekend of Jan. 11.

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