Soccer Clinics – Texas and Alabama

In 2007, our family decided to join work that Grace Presbyterian Church was doing in the Alief School district as they worked on “Loving God” and “Loving our Neighbor” through the Project 180 initiative.  Out of that experience, was birthed the idea of the soccer clinics.  Over the last 5 years hundreds of children have been touched here in Houston who would not normally be able to experience family oriented sports.  Kimberly loved being on the field with these kids and immediately was “team mom” both to the children and to many of the volunteers who made these clinics possible.  (Here is a link to a video with more detail about the story background)

In 2011, the Kickin’ With Kimberly Foundation continued to support the soccer clinics through the one day event of Project 180 at Walnut Bend Elementary School.  At Walnut Bend over 100 kids, many of whom are “at risk”, were able to experience a family sports environment where the Love of God was universally demonstrated.  In addition, below is a story written by Matt Richter about how these soccer clinics expanded to Auburn, Alabama.

Would you consider making a gift today supporting the Kickin’ With Kimberly Foundation in our attempts to raise $3,000 to buy T-shirts and supplies for the Auburn and Houston initiatives to love “at risk” kids?  If so, you can click here or click on the "Donate" link located at www.KickinWithKimberly.com.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Matt’s Story from Auburn

Last year (2011) I stumbled upon a leader in Campus Crusade here in Auburn and in a seemingly irrelevant conversation, mentioned to him that it would be cool to start a soccer camp here like we did at home. I was thinking that it would take a couple years to find the right people, equipment, etc. but God had other plans. Within the hour of mentioning this potential idea, I was praying and talking with the Crusade staff in Auburn about this plan that they jumped on immediately. It was clear that God already had a plan.

Within that week we had made connections with local missionaries here in Auburn who connected us with a brother in Christ who is the principal at the poorest intermediate school in Opelika (Auburn's neighboring town). Within the month I had gathered 20-30 volunteers. The times were set with the school, and shirt sizes and medical information was gathered. Not only were the auburn students and crusade staff all over it, every single teacher at West Forest also supported us. Again, God was moving.

I expected us to have anywhere from 35-40 kids in this school of 250.  But again I was astounded. We had 93 kids sign up and the vast majority came every week!

The lord also blessed this with wonderful men of character on Auburn men's club soccer team and the University's women's team. Every Friday for 5 weeks we met and on the last Friday threw a party with food and drink for the kids and their families!

March, 23, 2012 marks the date we start in Auburn this year… and God is going to make it happen again.