NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware Men’s Soccer Head Coach Ian Hennessy is proof that you do not have to be the National Football League to launch programs like the NFL Play60 program for kids. Hennessy works with the Downes Middle School as a volunteer on the Wellness Council, offering advice on sports activities for young kids, and has instituted the Play60 program as a means to address the climbing obesity rate among children in the United States.

Hennessy said he finds it unfortunate that children need prompting in order to be active, but nevertheless, feels it necessary to organize youth activities so that kids do spend some time doing physical activities.

"It's seems to be a sign of the times that we have much fewer kids engaging in enough physical activity to keep their weight in check through play activities, and that seems to be reflected in the obesity rates in the country," Hennessy said. "Being on the Wellness Council is a good way to provide initiatives to prompt the little ones’ interest in sports. Obviously, I think the sport of soccer is a great fit for the young kids because of the simplicity of the game and the minimal amount of equipment needed, but it doesn't need to be soccer - it can any sport or activity that gets the children involved in something fun and challenging.”

A former All-American soccer player at Seton Hall, Hennessy volunteers his Friday nights working with the kids at the nearby Downes Elementary School, using the school’s gym to play soccer with the kids.

"There are a couple of benefits besides the obvious ones for the kids. One is that I still get to be the best player on the field, which at my age is a good feeling, even if the 2nd graders are already catching up,” Hennessy joked. “The other is the continued positive presence of my University in our immediate community.”

Entering his fourth season at Delaware in the Fall, Hennessy is working toward building the men’s soccer program to be a force in the Colonial Athletic Association. In 2006, his first year at UD, he led the Hens to its best record (6-8-2) and best finish in the conference (ninth) since they joined the CAA in 2001.

But Hennessy would like his team to do more for the University of Delaware than win soccer games, he would like them to leave a mark on the community.

“Wouldn't it be great if more of the young kids came to University events on a more regular basis? We have so many good sporting events that are free. It's a great way for the kids to identify with some of our University student-athletes as role models if they can come to see them, and interact on a regular basis,” Hennessy said. “Who knows? Maybe one time in the future we can get to call them our own.”