April 13, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, MD. - The University of Maryland women's soccer team finished a busy weekend that saw the Terps host a youth clinic, play two games and raise money for Habitat For Humanity by participating in a 5K run.

Terps Host Clinic for Local Youth Club
Over 100 members of Takoma Park Youth Soccer joined the University of Maryland women's soccer team on Ludwig Field last Thursday, April 8, to learn new skills, meet the Terps, and raise donations for the Capital Food Bank. Bins and banners from Capital Food Bank were set up at Ludwig Field while the Terps ran the youth players through an hour-long clinic.

The Terps kicked off the night by going through a fun technical warm up that got the whole group moving and smiling. The Terps then demonstrated their technique in dribbling, passing, and shooting before splitting up to work closer with the participants.

"It was obvious that everyone on the field, college players, youth players, parents and coaches alike were having a great time," said Maryland volunteer assistant Laura Jackson. "We at Maryland were so excited at the opportunity to get involved with the local soccer community. The coaches, players, and parents from Takoma Park clearly love the game of soccer and we were so happy to get to know them while giving back to those in need."

Despite a stormy ending to the night, both Takoma Park and the Terps were rewarded with a great night of soccer and giving back. Takoma Park Youth Soccer Director, Scott Mitchell, said "I couldn't be happier with the opportunity that our girls and co-ed pre schoolers had to see the women's team on such a personal and active level. I know that many of these young players will remember this night for a long time, as will many of the parents and coaches."

Spring Season Continues
The following night, April 9, the Terps played two more spring games, running their consecutive minutes without being scored upon this spring to 360. The Terps tied Georgetown 0-0 in the first game of the evening, and then defeated the Maryland Pride of the WPSL 1-0, on a first half goal from sophomore Lydia Hastings, who headed in a corner kick off the foot of Olivia Wagner.

Maryland continues its spring season at the 2010 Kicks Against Breast Cancer Tournament at the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown, Md., this Saturday, April 17. The Terps will finish out the spring season April 23 at Penn State.

Habitat for Humanity 5K
On Sunday, April 11, the team participated in a 5k run in support of University of Maryland's Habitat for Humanity. Each team member raised money that was donated to Habitat for Humanity in their goal of ending poverty housing and homelessness. The path for the run began on campus, and went under Route 1 to make a loop around Lake Artemesia.

The team has also been participating in Terp Reading events throughout the spring, visiting local elementary schools and reading books to kids. The next community service event on the schedule is Relay for Life, which will take place on April 17, where money is raised for cancer research.