A 14-year-old Jackson Soccer Club player turned his love of soccer into a service project for his Eagle Scout requirements. Liam Kohute, who began playing soccer at age four, hosted a free clinic on Saturday for children ages 8 to 12.
The clinic included skill-building stations and a penalty kick shootout for each age group. Attendees were encouraged to donate new or gently used sports equipment or contribute items from an Amazon wishlist.
Kohute received strong community support and collected a large quantity of sports gear. All donations will benefit Leveling the Playing Field, a nonprofit organization that provides sports equipment to underserved youth programs and schools.
“I hope to give more kids the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of sports, just as I have,” Kohute said.
More than 40 children participated in the clinic, which served as a major step toward Kohute’s goal of increasing access to youth sports. The Jackson Soccer Club supported the event, held at the Jackson Justice Complex.
Jackson Council President Jennifer Kuhn congratulated Liam and the JSC on their successful event.
“This is a great community project for an Eagle Scout project that not only gives back to the local community but to children everywhere,” Kuhn said. “Thank you ,Liam, for being such a star, representing Jackson on and off the field!”
After the clinic, Liam’s mother, Michele, expressed her gratitude to the club and local supporters. “The kids all had fun at the clinic while learning and practicing their soccer skills,” she said. “Liam collected a great deal of sports gear that will be donated to kids and youth programs in need.”
Kohute is currently organizing and preparing the equipment for donation. He received additional assistance from Coach Ryan Monday and the Jackson Soccer Club in planning and running the event.
“The Jackson Soccer Club was proud to host this event and support Liam Kahoute with his Eagle Scout Project to help children in need to gain access to sports.” Coach Monday said.