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Kicking childhood obesity: Free soccer class for kids
Posted: 09.26.2012 at 8:05 PM
Abbie Burke

Abbie Burke is a general assignment reporter for FOX21 News.

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Soccer Buddies is offering a free hour of exercise to help fight the childhood obesity epidemic.  / FOX21 News: Abbie Burke
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- One local organization is hoping to help kick childhood obesity by offering a free hour of exercise this weekend.

They said it's all about getting kids off the couch and onto the field.

"We're just trying to introduce exercise in such a fun way with our high energy coaches that every single child has a blast and doesn't even realize they're learning or developing their fitness," Julie Colangelo, Owner of Soccer Buddies, said.

Soccer Buddies is a child development soccer program for kids ages 10 months to 12 years old.

Colangelo said getting kids used to being active at a young age will pay off later in life.

"If you develop their love of physical fitness early chances of them continuing on exercising as they get older is very very great," she said.

Colangelo said the goal of Soccer Buddies is to help children develop more than just soccer skills.

"At the younger ages we're developing motor skill development, confidence, socialization, with parents on the field. At the older ages we're developing agility, coordination, soccer skills, a lot of ball touches, and just getting them used to and ready for the game," Colangelo said.

Now Soccer Buddies is offering a free class to help more kids get their kicks.

"Across the city we understand that the gym classes have been cut and that an hour of exercise is really good for children per day, so we're just trying to fight that childhood obesity epidemic," Colangelo said.

The free class is this weekend and is open to any kid in Colorado Springs ages 10 months to 12 years old.

"What you can expect when you come on Saturday is great fun with the kids. A parent child class section for the younger ones and then for the older ones we're just going to be having a blast with our high energy coaches, running, soccer skills. I guarantee your kids will be tired," Colangelo said.

The free exercise event is Saturday Sept. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

It is being held at 5025 North Academy Blvd. and is open to all skill levels.

Participants can sign up at the door but are asked to be a few minutes early.

"If you're not able to make it on Saturday you can just give us a call, go to our website at coloradosoccerbuddies.com and sign up for a free class at any other time at any of our four locations," Colangelo said.

For more information call 719-330-9642

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