Eastern men’s and women’s soccer players were on a soccer field Monday night at Sister City Park, but their job was not to train, play soccer or score goals. Instead, the task was getting a group of young children with all different colored shirts in position to play a five-on-five soccer match.

On Sundays at the same park, fans may see Eastern head coach Adam Howarth coaching a group of players, grades 3 through 8, or assistant men’s coach Dino Raso instructing one of the traveling teams.

The Eastern soccer programs have put their stamp on area soccer, tying the Eastern program in with the Charleston community.

“We want to keep up the enthusiasm soccer in this area,” Howarth said. “At the same time, we want to be a visible member of the community. Then the kids want to come out and see our games to see their coaches play.”

The Eastern men’s and women’s soccer players coach 123 children in the CFC Charleston Soccer League Pre-Academy, teaching young Charleston residents aged kindergarten through second grade basic soccer techniques. The youngsters then play 5-on-5 soccer matches at the end of the night.

The Charleston Soccer League also consists of a third grade through eighth grade recreational team, which is watched over by former goalkeeper Mark Hansen, and club teams, which is coached by Raso and other Eastern players. At the same time of being visible to the community, Eastern players are helping the quality of soccer.

Rob Hutton, of Charleston, has two daughters in the Pre-Academy, Maysa, age 6, and daughter, Janel, age 15.

“(Janel) went through the camp and this year she was named MVP of the JV team,” Hutton said. “As a freshman this year she played on varsity, quite a bit actually, and I think the camp was a substantial help.”

Hansen is the first year Pre-Academy/Recreational Academy Director for the program. He had worked in the past as a coach for the younger teams and club teams. His job is to organize sessions, order T-shirts and trophies, work with registration, work with the children and make sure they are having as much fun as possible.

“I think with in terms of the community the men’s and women’s soccer do the most work,” Hansen said. “I think that’s why you see so many young people at both teams’ home games.”

Adrienne Jarrell said her son Cameron, age 8, is in his first year of the program.

“My son loves it,” Jarrell said. “I think he just loves running around and being active.”

Jarrell said the Eastern players have not only been good with her son, but also, with all the children that participate.

“I’m just impressed that they would give up their time and help little kids out like this,” Jarrell said.

Hansen said as a director some things are time-consuming and not so much fun, but it does have its advantages.

“Being out here and watching them have fun makes it all worth it,” Hansen said.

Alexander and Andrew Pearson are first-year players in the program.

Alexander, age 6, and member of the orange team, said he has learned a lot from his coaches but his enjoys helping his team win.

“I like getting the ball in the goal so we can win,” Alex said.

For Andrew, one of the youngest players at age 3, his favorite part was a little different from his older brother.

“I play with the yellow team, and we kick the ball and run,” Andrew said.

Dan Cusack can be reached at

581-7944 or dscusack@eiu.edu.

Cory Spour and Peter Flores, members of Team England, go after the ball during a soccer clinic held by the Eastern men and women’s soccer teams at Sister City Park Monday night. (Audrey Sawyer/The Daily Eastern News)

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