| Optimists promised $2M for soccer dome
London Optimists have been promised $2 million in stimulus money to build an indoor soccer facility, but it remains to be seen if city hall will be onside. That uncertainty was the only cloud on recreation plans yesterday as senior governments gave city hall and local groups what will be the last chunk of $14 million in stimulus cash. The $6.5-million soccer facility would be the third of its kind in Ontario and would come at a bargain price for local taxpayers: Optimists have asked for $1.15 million from city hall and not a dime to run the place. But some city politicians fear it could cramp industrial growth around the site, including a proposed biogas plant. "I have a lot of concerns," said Coun. Harold Usher, who chairs the city's community and protective services committee.
Watsonville soccer stars pursue higher education
In 2007, three soccer enthusiasts decided to change that. The Breakaway College Access Project is a volunteer-based program that provides high school students in Watsonville with academic support for eligibility, college resources, and an opportunity to cultivate their love for the game. "A lot of these students don't see themselves as college bound," said Executive Director Carol Schimke. "Or they see themselves that way, but don't know how to get there." In order to bridge the gap between player success and educational outcomes, Breakaway offers a Total Soccer Academy year-round after school program that gives financial aid counseling and organizes campus visits. "Athletes should also be students, it doesn't have to be one or the other," said Breakaway Program Director for Education and former educator at Watsonville High School, Sara Roe.
Kalida teen is a 'groupie'
"When I got in high school, I definitely wanted to get involved as much as I could, so I joined band and soccer and softball and cheerleading. Then my senior year, I wanted to do everything, things I hadn’t tried my other years, so I got involved in other things, like the musical, and that was a lot of fun," she said. "I just like being with different groups of people, whether that’s in band or sports or church," added the 2009 Kalida High School graduate. "I like all the people you get to know." Gerding said that being a part of the Wildcat marching band has been especially rewarding for her. "Everyone gets to participate," she said. "Nobody sits the bench, so it gets everyone involved, and you get to meet all different kinds of people, so it’s fun.
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