Antipas Ojwang looks to build skills and community with soccer clinics

It is, the former Goulburn Striker and current Stags player said, designed to bring children and families together.

Ojwang, who used to play Premier League football with the Strikers, said the idea for such a clinic had been brewing in his head for some time.

But, when his planned move to northern NSW was curtailed due to COVID-19, he decided to make it a reality.

"It's something I've been thinking about for a while," Ojwang said.

"Since the coronavirus, things went quiet and I thought 'well I'm still here, it's something I've always wanted to do, so why can't I do it in Goulburn?'

"I've lived in Goulburn for a very long time, and it's something I can give back, especially when I've still got some energy to run around."

The first clinic was held yesterday, from 4pm to 5pm, and was more popular than Ojwang had anticipated.

"Initially, we thought we were only going to have five kids, and we ended up having about 11," he said.

"Because it was the first day, we just got to know each other, took it a bit easy, and had a game at the end. Generally, things went good, the kids had a really good time."

Throughout the clinics, Ojwang intends to teach the kids skills associated with soccer such as throwing, catching, rolling, dribbling, kicking, and aiming.

However, he hopes they can take away more than just the physical lessons.

"Soccer is the fulcrum, but it's more than just soccer," Ojwang said.

"People are going to know each other, kids will get to be open and have a good time. It's a place where they can come and forget about any other thing and just play.

"Even though we will play soccer, at the end of the day it's more than soccer. It's something that brings people together, families and kids get to know each other, and the more we do it, new ideas are going to come in."

There is no set limit on how long the clinics will run. Ojwang simply hopes to see more families and children get involved over time.

The clinics are currently scheduled to take place every Monday, from 4pm to 5pm at the Goulburn PCYC.

For more information, please call the club on 4822 2133 or visit www.pcycnsw.org.au/goulburn/activities.

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