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By erik stordahl | SportStars
hat began as a brief conversation and brainstorm between State Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla and a candidate she was interviewing for a legislative aide position has grown into quite a successful community
event. One that’s about to enter its third year. The Taking the World By Storm soccer clinic is upon us as Tesoro Soccer Fields in Concord plays host to the event once again on Aug. 3. The event is free and open to girls ages 9-18. They will be treated to a crash course on soccer basics like ball handling, shooting, dribbling and teamwork from the players of the California Storm — a semi-pro team based in Sacramento that boasts quite an alumni. From former players like Brandi Chastain, Alex Morgan and Sissi, the Storm serves as a stepping stone for players who wish to play amongst the sport’s elite someday. “For three years, the Taking the World by Storm Soccer Clinic has been a unique district event that gives young girls the opportunity to interact and learn from talented female athletes,” said Assemblywoman Bonilla, who serves the 14th District. The beauty of this event is that is it gives these girls an opportunity to attend a clinic that they might not otherwise be able to, whether it’s lack of finances or soccer clubs in their areas. Soccer can be quite an expensive sport, perhaps the most costly. A good number of athletes compete year-round in various tournaments locally, regionally and nationally. Some also receive personal training every day in the summer so they can improve upon their skills and get better for the next season. That gives them a major advantage at tryouts when going up against girls who weren’t as fortunate to have those resources at their disposal. And because soccer is such a nuanced sport, there are a number of skills to learn that can take years to perfect. “We’re just trying to focus on providing an opportunity to girls that’s free and who typically wouldn’t be able to participate in
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SportStars™
August 1, 2013
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