Two youth, who were already pretty comfortable with soccer, learning slick new moves at the Hope and Health event in Beban Park on Monday, Aug. 19. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

hope and health

400 Nanaimo-area kids learn to be leaders through soccer

Aug 19, 2019 | 9:41 AM

NANAIMO — Indigenous youth had fun on their turf learning how to play soccer and be a leader in their community.

Several hundred children from Nanaimo and across the mid-island packed the Beban Park soccer fields on Monday, Aug. 19 for the eighth annual VI Hope and Health event. Kids of all ages learned basic and advanced soccer skills from volunteers with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Pacific football clubs.

Deana Gill, executive director and co-founder of the event, said even though soccer is the main focus of the day it’s about so much more.

“The day is about being on and off the pitch at all times, making the most of interactions and conversations and little moments,” she told NanaimoNewsNOW. “It’s the moments that matter.”

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The event first started eight years ago as a pilot project with the Indigenous-services organization Kw’umut Lelum. It was created to address feedback from the communities Kw’umut Lelum served which desired an uplifting and positive way for everyone to come together, versus only seeing each other at funerals and times of crisis.

Gill said every year the event is an exhilarating and inspiring day for everyone.

“For many of the kids, particularly when we started this years ago, many had never actually put a pair of cleats on or stepped onto a soccer pitch. (Now) it’s something we know the kids in communities look forward to.”

Bill Yoachim, executive director of Kw’umut Lelum, said the good will and enthusiasm from the Hope and Health event now continues throughout the year.

“It carries on to seasonal programs in the community and makes a difference. It keeps kids active, gives them a safe place and the skill set and teachings for a resilient life.”

Since beginning eight years ago, the Hope and Health event has expanded to Musqueam First Nation and is expected to grow further.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit