State Rep. Jared Solomon held a news conference last week to promote the FC Max Myers youth soccer program and how people can get involved.
Solomon was at Max Myers Recreation Center, 1601 Hellerman St., along with coaches Viulka Arias Guzman and Jaafar Alzaidi. Guzman is also the girls soccer coach at Olney High School. Alzaidi, 18, is a senior at Abraham Lincoln.
Solomon is preparing citations for Guzman and Alzaidi.
“I’m proud of you both,” he said.
Backers of the program are The Sports Creative, Manchester City’s Cityzens Giving, love.futbol and the city Department of Parks and Recreation.
Guzman, known as “Coach V,” is head coach for FC Max Myers, a free soccer and personal development program for children, generally ages 6-13.
Solomon, 43, recalled playing for the champion Max Myers Padres Pee Wee League baseball team, but said the sport doesn’t seem as popular in the Oxford Circle/Castor Gardens area.
“Soccer is what is in,” he said, adding that FC Max Myers teaches values and leadership skills and serves as a support network for the players.
Guzman said this is the second season of the program, and she said the youngsters learn teamwork and communication skills. There are about 25-30 boys and girls at each practice, which take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. at Max Myers.
To sign up a child to play or to volunteer to coach, stop by Max Myers or call 215-685-1242. Volunteers must be at least 17. ••
