Atlético Ottawa launched our inaugural week of free-to-play soccer camps this week at the Carlington Recreation Centre, presented by YEDOMA Inc.
Over 30 children attending the City of Ottawa summer camp received free soccer programming from Monday to Friday as part of the Atleti Equal Access initiative. The program was run by former-Atlético Ottawa player and Ottawa-native Gabriel Carvalho, with each participant receiving a unique Atleti training top.
"Soccer, at its core, is a sport based on accessibility and born in working-class communities,” said Thomas Stockting, Head of Community Development. “At Atlético Ottawa, we want to continue that tradition here in the nation's capital by bringing soccer to everyone in the city. This is a great step in that direction, providing the kids with high-level sessions from Ottawa coaches as well as bringing professional players to share their stories. This is about earning the support of the fans of tomorrow, while breaking down barriers for potential future professional players too."
Front-of-jersey sponsors Maple Lodge Farms provided a free community BBQ on Monday to celebrate the start of the camp, while Atelti duo Monty Patterson and Jonathan Grant came by to share insights, pose for photos and sign autographs.
“The event was terrific, it was awesome to see so many kids enjoying soccer with such a strong sense of community," said Monty Patterson, Striker, Atlético Ottawa Having food, the jerseys, and the coaches provided by the club was such a good initiative, not just for the smiles on their faces but the community connections they've built with other kids in the neighbourhood. I really look forward to see where the club takes this program.”
Gabriel Pizza was provided on the final day, and thanks to sponsors YEDOMA Inc. the participants will be invited to watch Atlético live at TD Place in September.
