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My Take: Tormenta clinics will be big help to youth... and coaches
TormentaFC Lettering Color large

As far as soccer coaches go, I’m bad. Like really bad. We’re talking “Bad News Bears” bad. We’re talking throwing the ball on second-and-goal in the Super Bowl instead of handing it off to “Beast Mode” bad.
    However, regardless of my inability on the field, the effort is there.
    When my little four-year-old said she wanted to play soccer, I thought it was a great idea — being that we’re all relatively new to the Statesboro area.
    We signed up through the Statesboro Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Department and within a month, we found out she would be a member of the Wall Orthodontics Kangaroos.
    Like any overzealous parent whose child decides to play organized sports for the first time, I went out and got the “best” shoes, shin guards and a brand new outfit to match.
    When I was informed that the team would be without a head coach I thought, “no big deal. I’ll volunteer. How hard can it be?”
    In the frenzy of getting the latest gear and equipment,  I quickly realized it was a big deal considering I hadn’t the slightest idea of what I was doing.
    I equipped my little one with every essential she’ll need for her first game — except the basic understanding of how the game actually works.
    So while covering a Statesboro High School soccer game, I was absolutely thrilled when South Georgia Tormenta FC team owner Darin Van Tassell and general manager Ben Freakley made the announcement that the team plans to hold hour-long youth soccer clinics before the start of every home game this season.
    Not only will the clinics be free to ticket holders, but Tormenta FC players will also participate in the youth clinics.
    I can distinctly remember whispering under my breath, “thank God.”
    Statesboro’s Premier Development Franchise will host seven home games this season, which means seven chances for my daughter to soak in some basic soccer knowledge that I simply don’t have at my disposal.
    With 47 days left until opening day, South Georgia Tormenta FC officials have tried to ingratiate themselves in the Bulloch County community and beyond.
    Growing up, I can remember the Atlanta Falcons hosting similar youth clinics—the Falcons’ players didn’t participate, of course—but it was the same general principles.
An Atlanta Falcons season-ticket holder of 15-plus years, my dad was a man of routine and ritual.
    He would rush from our tailgate site and we would take the mile walk to the stadium, pass by the Falcons youth clinic every Sunday and make it to our seats with an hour to spare before game time.
    With my little one, I want her to enjoy all sports, and soccer, has to offer. With any luck my princess, and her teammates, will take advantage of Tormenta’s youth clinics—which will take the pressure off of Coach Holloman. 

    Horace Holloman may be reached at (912) 489-9408.