For the first time ever, the San Jose Earthquakes and Benicia Youth Soccer League have teamed up as partners in the Quakes Student of the Game program. As the partner league that is the farthest from San Jose, Benicia YSL has proven that their dedication to the Earthquakes and soccer is much greater than distance.
"The Benicia Youth Soccer League is willing to travel over 60 miles to see their Earthquakes," said Earthquakes President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "But it's a pleasure to return the favor as part of the Student of the Game program when we head up north to Benicia for player appearances, autograph signings and coaching clinics."
"The San Jose Earthquakes, by reaching out to youth organizations, are providing us with the opportunity to become involved with professional soccer at the highest level," said Benicia Recreation Department Coordinator Scott Riley. "The learning opportunities for our players and coaches will be tremendous. Our players are excited to meet the Earthquakes' players, our coaches are eager to learn from the Earthquakes' staff, and our organization, Benicia Youth Soccer League, welcomes the opportunity to support the San Jose Earthquakes in such a positive way."
The Quakes will hold Benicia Youth Soccer League Night on Saturday, June 25 at Spartan Stadium at 7:00 p.m. PT. More than 1,000 youth soccer players and family members from Benicia are expected at the Quakes vs. Los Angeles game.
"Benicia Youth Soccer League is looking forward to our partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes," said Riley. "This relationship will benefit both parties involved, and, perhaps more importantly, will benefit the game of soccer, on a local level, as well."
Benicia Youth Soccer League is a California Non-Profit Corporation whose objective is to provide a wholesome atmosphere in which youths and adults can work together through soccer activities to: instill the fundamentals of good sportsmanship and fair play, teach the fundamentals of the sport of soccer, provide learning and fun through participation, and assist their youth in becoming good citizens. Their guiding purpose is to provide the opportunity for all youth to learn, develop skills, play and enjoy soccer. Their annual enrollment is approximately 1,300 youth forming over 100 teams, a large turnout for a community the size of Benicia. For more information on BYSL, visit the website at: http://dwp.bigplanet.com/bysl/door/.
The Earthquakes Student of the Game program was established in 2002 to provide Bay Area youth soccer leagues with an education-based curriculum that will further enhance youth players, coaches and parents' soccer knowledge and appreciation for the game. The Earthquakes program motivates and educates by providing partner leagues with exclusive access to the Quakes coaches and players through coaching clinics and appearances, among other benefits.
