More than 30 Hamilton students were recently honored by the Utica American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) board of directors and the City of Utica for their efforts to bring soccer to the Cornhill section of Utica. Erica Colligan and Kristina Carroll started the AYSO project last July with 12 children. This fall, the program grew to 50 children -- most of whom had never played soccer before -- from Martin Luther King and Watson-Williams Elementary Schools.
The Utica AYSO Board funded registration for players, covering insurance and uniforms, and Hamilton students ran the program, coaching and refereeing. Eight other Hamilton students volunteered to coach regular AYSO teams in Utica's established league.
On November 9, Utica City officials, members of the Utica AYSO board, and the National AYSO President Pete McPhail honored the Hamilton students for their contribution to the City of Utica and their commitment to the children.
The Hamilton students plan to continue the program next fall.
-- by Molly Kane '09
