Second annual 'Little Bonas' World Cup wrap-up

Dec. 13, 2007

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - Not only did the St. Bonaventure men's soccer team display major improvements on the playing field this past fall, the club's `Little Bonas' World Cup experienced an influx of new campers in its second season.

Following a 2007 season in which the Brown and White notched three more victories than the previous edition with six total wins, head coach Mel Mahler and the Bonnies welcomed over 70 youth soccer players between the grades of kindergarten and sixth grade to their ten-week fall instructional soccer league.

"Our goal is to provide a fun learning environment with members of our soccer program as role models," said Mahler. "During the two months of the clinic, we attempted to help these young players develop a feeling of accomplishment, while experiencing the joy of competition."

Each session of the `Little Bonas' World Cup featured two 45-minute segments divided into various skill development drills, similar to those that members of the men's soccer team participate in during training sessions. The mixture of drills focused on agility, balance, coordination, speed and endurance enhancement as well as fundamental development sessions, such as dribbling, passing and shooting.

After participation in skills stations, members of the Brown and White soccer club coached the campers in matches with a focus on positioning and teamwork.

"The game of soccer is a wonderful tool to reinforce the teaching of citizenship skills and each weekend we focused on specific themes, such as cooperation, gratitude, sportsmanship and positive reinforcement."

An added feature to this season's `Little Bonas' World Cup was the opportunity for each camper to participate in pre-match ceremonies at McGraw-Jennings Field before home matches. All members of the clinic were invited to walk on the field with the Bonnies during player introductions prior to serving as ball boys/girls during the game.

"We look forward to working with our young friends again next year," said Mahler. "Thank you for supporting St. Bonaventure soccer and go Bonnies!"

Stay tuned to www.gobonnies.com for more information regarding the third edition of the `Little Bonas' World Cup next season.