The inaugural girls’ soccer clinic hosted by Rock City United SC on Saturday brought together young players for three hours of skill-building, fun, and friendship on the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School field. Despite a brief shower that sent everyone scrambling for the tents, the morning was filled with laughter, learning, and lots of soccer action.
For many families, the clinic provided exactly what they were hoping for — a welcoming environment where young girls could discover their love for the beautiful game. Nick Vanassche, father of 8-year-old Charlie, was thrilled with the transformation he witnessed: “I am extremely impressed by the clinic that Rock City United put on. Our daughter, who has been apprehensive in the past about playing soccer, had an absolute blast. The coaches did a wonderful job, and our kiddo who wasn’t sure about team sports is now asking if she can join the team!”
Charlie Vanassche was equally enthusiastic about her experience: “My favorite part was making new friends, and I also liked the water balloons which were lots of fun! I really liked the different stations where I got to practice a bunch of skills I didn’t know how to do yet.”
The clinic was expertly organized by club co-founders Anna Scott and Magen Cullinan, along with their coaching team, which included Blakely Bell, Kathryn Turner, and Patrice Clarke. Scott explained the day’s structure: “We started the clinic with some games to get everyone to know each other including sharks and minnows and musical soccer balls with all the players’ favorite songs. It was a lot of K-pop,” she laughed. The rain forced Scott and her team to improvise, leading games of Simon says and hot potato under large tents. “Once we could go outside again, we did technical skill stations so each player got to work in a small group with a coach on goalie skills, passing, shooting, dribbling and defense.”
They ended the morning with small-sided matches, including the crowd-favorite coaches vs. players game, and a trapping drill in which each player had to use her foot, thigh, or chest to gain control of a tossed water balloon without popping it.
The coaches vs. players game was clearly a highlight for many participants. Eight-year-old Kalea Burke didn’t hesitate when asked about her favorite moment: “My favorite part was playing against the coaches!” Her mother, Leilani Burke, was impressed with the clinic’s organization and energy: “I just wanted to say how awesome it was to have a fully focused three hours with our young girls. The coaches were great, and they really built up the enthusiasm for this coming season!”
For Katie Owens, whose 9-year-old twins Lani and Finley participated in the clinic, the event represented much more than just a day of soccer. “We went to this soccer clinic because the girls played for Coach Anna for a season, and it is clear she knows and loves the game. I also want to support the new club. I think it has so much potential!”
Her faith in the program was well-placed: “My girls loved the camp. Coach Anna has found a group of women to Coach that know the game of soccer and have the passion to coach the next generation. The camp was well organized, started and ended on time, and most of all my girls had fun! I want them to be surrounded by coaches who can lead well, love the game of soccer and are passionate about coaching, and I feel like that’s what Rock City United Soccer Club is all about!”
The success of this inaugural clinic has set a strong foundation for Rock City United SC’s mission to develop young female soccer players in the community. With coaches who combine technical expertise with genuine passion for youth development, and an approach that emphasizes fun while building skills, the club appears well-positioned to make a lasting impact on local youth soccer.
For girls ages 8-12 who would like to join the team, Rock City United Girls is currently open for registration at https://www.rockcityunitedsc.com.
