Hello WESCO Parents! My name is Silvio Carrillo and I am a life-long soccer player, fan, a Select 2012 boys team parent, and WESCO At-large board member. I am writing to you about a great fitness and agility opportunity for all our players aged 11-14 (there is also a class for older teens, see links below.)

I was playing soccer with my son in the backyard and noticed how he and I were doing a drill very differently despite having just demonstrated it for him. The difference was his feet. He wasn't moving his legs in small steps or strides but larger ones which meant he was getting to the ball later and having to stretch and reach which resulted in difficulty connecting back with the ball. This type of movement is crucial for soccer but is also important for basketball, lacrosse, football, tennis, volleyball -- even pickleball! The next day I bought a footwork ladder that you lay on the ground (like hopscotch) and began doing footwork drills with him that were also really good for me. All of this was great but like most of you I couldn't make time for more.

So, I reached out to Zoe at The Barn Collective fitness gym to see what was possible for him and I. She asked if it was for the entire team and I thought, why not? Eventually , Zoe, a few members of the WESCO board and I came up with a plan. Right after the winter break we ran a pilot program with the Select 2012 boys and girls teams and Zoe's gym, The Barn. Zoe and WESCO alum & Analy graduate -- trainer --  Quinn Vermeulen, crafted an hour-long fitness routine for the group. The response from parents and players alike has been even better than expected. Players become less intimidated by the gym/equipment, trained muscles they never knew existed, grew more agile and gained more confidence. This is especially important for teenage girls as they grow, their bodies change and become more susceptible to knee injuries playing sports and strengthening muscles around these joints can keep injuries from occurring.

By now, you've stopped reading or get the point. It's a great fitness opportunity for today and a great start to improving and promoting lifelong health.

We, as a board, are determined to provide every opportunity we can to keep our community fit physically and mentally while supporting locally, woman-owned businesses.

You can sign up here on the Barn Collective website.

Silvio Carrillo