By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
February 1, 2012

For a second year in a row, NorthEast Sports Alliance (NESA) is combining soccer with education.

Founded last year, NESA is run by community partners and equips first through sixth graders with soccer fundamentals and weekly health education lessons.

Last year, lessons focused on anti-bullying, social skills and healthy eating habits.

“This year, our health and wellness staff at Mattie Rhodes have a curriculum called, ‘Eating from the Garden,’ that they will be using and incorporating into a more holistic group of lessons for the kids,” said Krista Kastler, school social worker for Northeast’s Mattie Rhodes, 148 N. Topping.

One lesson includes visiting Mattie Rhode’s community garden to learn about growing your own vegetables and fruits as well as eating healthy in general, Kastler said.

More of Mattie Rhodes’ staff will be involved, creating a richer experience for the youth, she added.

NESA’s winter indoor soccer season will begin Feb. 6 at James Elementary School, 5810 Scarritt. Winter season will be open to James Elementary students only.

“The kids have been asking since the fall season, ‘When does soccer start?’ It’s great to see them excited about something that is so healthy for their growth and development,” Kastler said.

First through third graders will practice on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and fourth through sixth graders will practice on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Each practice will begin with a health and wellness lesson. The season will run from Feb. 6 to March 28. To sign up, students should pick up the soccer form from the school’s office.

Spring season will begin in April and will include teams from NESA, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City and Whatsoever Community Center.

“It’s exciting that it’s really thriving,” Kastler said of the program. “We’re adding more support staff from Mattie Rhodes and investing in this. I’m hoping that it just becomes a part of the James Elementary School experience for these kids.”