The oral portion of the program that showcased the FC Cincinnati Foundation small football field at Lincoln Recreation Center at 1027 Linn St. in the West End was admittedly short.
The remarks of the adults in attendance were the only thing standing between dozens of children and the new grass playing surface with brand new soccer balls.
The adults pleased the children, who were clearly ready to play, and limited their comments.
After about 15 minutes of speeches from the speakers (club mascot Gary has helped entertain the kids in the meantime), FC Cincinnati vice president of community relations Kate Solomon gave the green light to locals to begin the exercises. of dribbling and shooting.
The bullets started flying in all directions. Music from the speakers and neighbors began to take note of the event, which was part of the preparation for Sunday’s MLS home opener for FC Cincinnati.
The land, which was the first of 10 to be donated in the city over the next five years, was presented by FC Cincinnati majority owner Carl Lindner III and his wife, Martha Lindner, and local philanthropist Edward Neyra.
“This FC Cincinnati Foundation project creates a safe place for children to play and learn, a place where they can have healthy adults in their lives who support them,” said Martha Lindner during her remarks. “Sport has long been a way for children to learn values. They take turns. They learn to deal with losses. They learn to manage wins and find satisfaction in being part of a team. They see first-hand how practice turns talent into opportunity. ”
Team Ambassador Omar Cummings and current team members Alvas Powell and Nazmi Albadawi joined the children to play soccer on the new pitch.
Cincinnati City Council members PG Sittenfeld and Jeff Pastor attended the unveiling of the land.
Also in attendance at Tuesday’s event were Recreation Director of the Cincinnati Recreation Commission Daniel Betts, members of the Cincinnati Recreation Commission and members of the FC Cincinnati administration.
“You think back to when I was going door to door in the West End and I said to residents, we’re going to be good neighbors,” said FC Cincinnati president and CEO Jeff Berding. “We’re going to make life better, especially for kids … It’s just about keeping the commitment we made to people during this process that gave us the opportunity to build our stadium here. ”
