Feb. 21, 2005

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina men’s soccer team and the YMCA recently teamed up to raise more than $3,500 for two local organizations. Proceeds from the Children and Parents Soccer Clinic, held on Feb. 12 and 13 at the USC Indoor Fieldhouse, went to Children’s Chance, a local children’s cancer charity, and the YMCA’s Partners With Youth Campaign (soccer section).

A total of 61 participants attended the clinic this year. The USC coaching staff and current players taught parents and children the basic skills and team tactics used in the game of soccer.

Head coach Mark Berson’s soccer program has joined the YMCA in sponsoring the Children and Parents Soccer (C.A.P.S) Clinic for each of the last six years. Over that span, the clinic has raised $18,832 for the two charities and served 329 participants.

The mission of Children’s Chance is to provide funding for programs and services that address the needs of children with cancer. The YMCA’s Partners With Youth Campaign helps the Y raise money for kids whose parents cannot afford to pay for their participation in soccer or other activities.