By JOSH STROPE


So many times players and coaches forget where they come from, where they started and how they got where they are.

Wheeling Jesuit University soccer coach Jim Regan doesn't want that to happen to his players.

"We, as a university, need to give back to the community and support them as much as they support us," Regan said.

To show his gratitude, Regan and the rest of his Cardinals have teamed with the Wheeling Area Soccer Association, Inc. (WASA), in their efforts to promote soccer at a young age. This fall, more 500 kids are registered to play for WASA.

The league consists of four competitive levels - Under-14, Under-12, Under-10, and Under-8 leagues. There is also a smaller league known as "Kiddie Kick" for kids under the age of six who are being exposed to the game for the first time.

This is where Regan and the Cardinals come in.

The WJU soccer players have volunteered to help the young kids learn the skills of the game by teaching them drills and games, giving the kids a head start on soccer. The players also serve as coaches in scrimmage games held at the end of each session.

The "Kiddie Kick" has drawn such a response from the parents over the years, the numbers have jumped to nearly 150 kids.

"The great thing about it is how the parents volunteer, even those who have never played, just to help the kids," said P.J. McDermott, director of the "Kiddie Kick."

If getting to practice with college athletes isn't enough to get the kids interested in soccer, how about getting to play a game on a collegiate field?

Saturday, before WJU's season-opener against Slippery Rock University, the Under-10 and Under-12 divisions will get to showcase their talents on the same stage as teams from each division get a chance to play on LaRosa Field.

"These kids are just starting out and it's great to have Wheeling Jesuit show so much support for what we are doing," McDermott said. "This gives them something to shoot for because they see the college kids out there playing and they look at them as role models."

If there is anything a college coach wants, it's a positive relationship with the area children.

"This is a nice feeder for us because it gives us a chance to get to know kids as they are growing older and possibly when it comes time for them to play in college, they see what positive things we can bring to the table," Regan said.

When Regan came to Wheeling Jesuit 22 years ago, there were only two high school soccer programs in the area. With the growth of the sport in the Ohio Valley, Regan is excited about the possibilities.

"We've been able to recruit some of the top kids in the area over the past few years, and a lot of that has to do with these kids remembering us from helping with the WASA," Regan said. "Our guys really love helping at the "Kiddie Kick," and developing a good sense of camaraderie."

The "Kiddie Kick" and games at LaRosa Field are just the start of what McDermott and Regan see as a great match.

While this weekend's games are the only one's scheduled for the season, McDermott hopes for more in the future, as well as a cookout between the two sides.

"This is something I think we would both like to see get bigger," McDermott said.

"We hope the kids have fun this week, and we are really going to appreciate them cheering us on in our game and hopefully many more throughout the season," Regan said.

The kids will play at 5 p.m. Saturday at LaRosa Field, leading up to kickoff of the Cardinals game at 7 p.m.