KISSIMMEE — If it isn’t soccer clinics, Orlando City SC is finding other strides in bringing the beautiful game across Central Florida.

In conjunction with the Orlando City Foundation, new soccer goals were donated to the Osceola County YMCA on Saturday, giving the local youth around Kissimmee other options when visiting the facility.

“This is one of many programs we hope that it can have an effect on,” said Kay Rawlins, Director of Community Relations for Orlando City Soccer. “As the kids grow older, they have to be able to play in bigger goals, so if we help with that growth, then we feel like we’re doing our job.”

With the donation of new soccer goals, many youth teams, especially Brian Hunt’s U8 squad, can avoid traveling long distance just to play in better condition soccer goals.

“It’s something that the children needed, and the facilities are here, we just needed something for the kid to play soccer in Kissimmee,” said Hunt. “It’s a lot of opportunity, it promotes exercise, stretching and good for school. It’s a win-win and thankful for Orlando City for their generosity.”

Other programs the Orlando City Foundation has been known for is their involvement in the Parramore area, which is the location near the proposed soccer stadium will be built. From holding soccer clinics in low-income areas, to getting their foot into the classrooms to promote the game, the foundation plans to continue finding new ways to outreach to the community, according to Rawlins.

Lions captian and goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo made an appearance, as well as forward Dennis Chin kicked off the event, which followed by a penalty kick shootout and a scrimmage with kids around the area.

With only two weeks for the start preseason, which will feature OCSC traveling to Bradenton, Fla. to play the Chicago Fire on Feb. 11, the Orlando City Foundation will look to continue their campaign of promoting the beautiful game across Central Florida.

For more information regarding the foundation, contact Kay Rawlins at [email protected]