VANCOUVER – It was a perfect day for soccer at Musqueam Park as the UBC Thunderbirds joined up with the Vancouver Whitecaps for the annual Hope and Health soccer event.
Hope and Health is an annual event that utilizes soccer to build resilience and connection amongst Aboriginal children and youth. Hope and Health is also a movement to inspire hope, as well as improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and life conditions for Aboriginal children and youth.
The Thunderbirds spent a busy afternoon running the children through drills and exercises. The powerful tool that the game of soccer is in helping youth connect to their community was not lost on UBC midfielder
Jasmine Mander.
"I think it's super important," said Mander. "I know soccer at this age it's much more than just developing them as players. You get to have an impact on them as people and here they get to connect with their roots and learn their lands. In that sense I think it's a huge platform for soccer to help grow the community."
UBC defender
Meghan Douglas believes the friendships you form as a young soccer player last a lifetime.
"The kids definitely get to socialize with one another as well which is really good. You can see friendships and bonding," said Douglas. "I know I'm really good friends with all the kids I met when I was younger too. It's been a great time."
The event is presented in partnership with the Hope and Health For Life Society, Musqueam Indian Band and Kw'umut Lelum Child and Family Service Agency.
The UBC Thunderbirds kick off their 2017 pre-season on August 11th with a game against the NCAA's Seattle University.
