Soccer is called the beautiful game by fans and players alike, and it is moments like Thursday’s Citi Soccer Kids Clinic in New York City, that prove the name to be true. Moments like today, where stars of the past, present and future all interact to play that beautiful game of soccer.

Moments where kids from New York, who don’t have many opportunities, get to interact with players from the Women’s Professional Soccer organization-that make memories that last forever. As Carli Lloyd, Michelle Akers and Tiffeny Milbrett were all on hand thanks to a partnership with WPS and Citi to kick off WPS Championship Weekend in Bryant Park today.

The Citi Soccer Kids program connected the current stars from the league to promote a healthy lifestyle by allowing access to WPS players and coaches for kids associated with the YMCA as well as America SCORES, which are two of the top youth services organizations.

“We are thrilled to honor women’s soccer and WPS Championship weekend by having both current stars and all-time greats share their experiences in this final Get Active with Citi Soccer Kids program of the year,” said Billy Cho, senior vice president and manager of Citibank’s Union Square Flagship branch. “This partnership with the WPS helps us support women’s athletics, promote healthy living and teach the importance of a fit and healthy lifestyle in a fun and engaging way for kids. Citi is proud to give back to the community and help inspire future stars.”

Kristina Hentschel, WPS Corporate Development Officer and CFO had this to say, “We are grateful to Citi for their continued support of WPS and the Get Active initiative. This noteworthy event is the perfect precursor to the WPS Championship Game presented by Citi.”

Lloyd, Akers and Milbrett were able to assist the 75 youngsters in attendance, with fine-tuning their soccer ability and teaching them the essentials of being a team player both on and off the pitch.

Lloyd is a current member of the Atlanta Beat as well as a part of the silver medal-winning 2011 Women’s World Cup squad. Akers and Milbrett are legends of the U.S. National team, serving on the historic 1999 gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s World Cup team.

The Championship game between the Western New York Flash and the Philadelphia Independence is slated for 4:00 p.m. in Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester, New York.

To find out more about the WPS, click here: http://www.womensprosoccer.com/

Written on August 26, 2011