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Area soccer players take to pitch with MLS champ Crew

Photos: Crew Soccer Rocks Camp

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Eight soccer players from the Columbus Crew gave a clinic to the Centerville Recreational Soccer program during the Crew Soccer Rocks Camp at Oak Grove Park in Centerville Tuesday, May 12.

Staff photo by Teesha McClam Eight soccer players from the Columbus Crew gave a clinic to the Centerville Recreational Soccer program during the Crew Soccer Rocks Camp at Oak Grove Park in Centerville Tuesday, May 12.

By Christa Butts, Staff Writer Updated 2:44 AM Wednesday, May 13, 2009

CENTERVILLE — With shin guards strapped and cleats laced, nearly 800 area soccer players took to the fields of Oak Grove Park for a clinic hosted by the Centerville United Soccer Association (CUSA) and conducted by members of The Columbus Crew, reigning MLS Cup champion.

Players from numerous local clubs registered for the two-hour training and demonstration clinic, where organizers hoped participants would gain skills, confidence and an expanded love for the game.

On hand to provide guidance, supervision and coaching were Crew players Emmanuel Ekpo, Andy Gruenebaum, Alex Grendi, Andy Iro, Stanley Nyazamba, Kevin Burns, Duncan Oughton and Pat Noonan.

The clinic proved beneficial for Tower Heights Middle School student Erin Renslow, 14, who always looks forward to the annual event. It serves as an opportunity for her to see players from past teams and to learn dribbling skills, she said.

As the horn sounded to signal the end of the training session, hundreds grabbed their spot in line to speak with and get autographs from Crew players and their mascot, The Crew Cat.

In addition to new skills, each participant left the night’s events with lower-level Crew regular-season ticket vouchers and a T-shirt.

Shawna Baker of Washington Twp. brought daughter and first-year player Olivia to the event.

“This is a really neat program. It has the ability to broaden her outlook on the sport and show her what she can accomplish if she continues to play,” Mom said.

The 2009 “Crew Soccer Rocks Camp” event marks the sixth year of partnership for CUSA and The Crew.

“The number of participants every year here in Centerville is fantastic,” said Crew community programs manager Brad Kessler.

CUSA, formed in 2000, is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of programs for players ages 5 to 19.

“This event is the highlight of our spring recreational season. It’s rare that young players get to interact on this level with professional athletes,” event organizer Matthew Curtis said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2047 or cbutts@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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