SAN JOSE, Calif. - Earthquakes goalkeeper Mike Graczyk visited the San Jose Boys and Girls Club Wednesday, July 22, as part of the Amway Global Kicks for Kids Program. Graczyk was first introduced to the students by Unit Director Domico Curry and was welcomed with overwhelming cheers and applause.
The New Mexico native stressed the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle had on his life growing up playing soccer. Graczyk explained to the children how the choices he made as a child to eat healthy foods and only have junk foods as treats helped him achieve his goal of becoming a professional soccer player. The children were very big soccer fans and were very happy to have a professional player speak to them. Graczyk also emphasized the importance of always working hard, both in and out of the classroom.
After the 6'1" goalkeeper finished his speech, he opened the floor to a question and answer session on the Boys and Girls Club's turf soccer field. The children had a lot of soccer knowledge and asked Graczyk many questions about the Earthquakes and Graczyk's background. Graczyk then transitioned from the Q&A to a soccer skills demonstration that included a goalkeeping exercise with the children, as well as a shooting drill. Graczyk invited many children to take part in the goalkeeping drill, and everyone was able to take a few shots on goal with Graczyk in net.
To conclude the afternoon, Graczyk signed player cards and Earthquakes staff handed out over 50 jersey replica shirts and 150 tickets, donated by Amway Global, to the students to attend the Earthquakes next home game on July 25 at 7:30 p.m. PT against D.C. United at Buck Shaw Stadium.
The Earthquakes and Amway Global teamed up to create the Amway Global Kicks for Kids program in 2009. Through the program, Earthquakes players will visit 15 schools or community centers in the Bay Area to discuss the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle. The next school visit will take place prior to the Quakes game on August 2 against Seattle Sounders FC.
