Nusdeh Yoh and Peden Hill elementary students battle for the ball – 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Students from inner-city schools in Prince George have gathered at Rotary Soccer Fields for an end-of-year soccer tournament this morning.

The After-School Program Tournament was organized by the Prince George Youth Soccer Association with  support from the folks  at Integris Credit Union.

Peden Hill Elementary students huddle prior to kickoff

Students from Quinson, Nusdeh Yoh, Westwood, and Peden Hill elementary schools are participating.

The initiative was the idea of PGYSA sport administrator Caitlin Lamble. She says PGYSA staff and UNBC Timberwolves players spent time after school at eight different inner city schools this spring for six weeks running students through drills and games.

“I’m actually doing my master’s degree in the education program (UNBC) in counselling and I just saw a need for kids who don’t have the access to sport and how it impacts their life as they grow older,” she tells 250News. “Sport builds communication skills, socializing ability, and prepares you for commitments later in life.”

Lamble says the goal is to offer the free program annually starting in September or January.