Photo courtesy of Ruth Coughlan, SODE

At Right: UD women’s soccer players Sarah McMillan and Katie Rogers congratulate Special Olympics athlete Torie Moore.

NEW CASTLE, Del. – The University of Delaware men’s and women’s soccer teams banded together to host the athletes and coaches of Special Olympics Delaware during the Fourth Annual Soccer Clinic at the Kirkwood Soccer Club in New Castle on September 13.

Blue Hens men’s coach Ian Hennessy and women’s coach Scott Grzenda were joined by their coaching staffs and team members in providing instruction for 10 Special Olympics coaches and a squad of 45 players.

Throughout the day, the Hens set up various drills and activities to educate the eager group on multiple facets of the game of soccer.

“We have a very strong bond with the Special Olympics program and its athletes, our fellow athletes,” said Hennessy a fourth-year coach at Delaware. “Mike Wise (SODE Director of Sports Training and Volunteer Management) is not only a great colleague but has evolved into a good friend of both of our programs. Anytime he needs help he knows that all he need do is ask.”

The days’ activities were enhanced by the addition of a coaches meeting. This new dimension aimed to gather all coaches and exchange ideas on issues that effect coaching staffs regardless of the level of play.

“Scott and I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue,” noted Hennessy.