San Jose Earthquakes rookie defender Steven Beitashour made his MLS debut in Chicago this past weekend, and made his Amway Kicks for Kids debut on Tuesday. The rookie visited Horace Cureton Elementary School in San Jose Tuesday afternoon as part of the Amway Kicks for Kids Program. The program, in its second year, helps teach local youth about the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. [PHOTO GALLERY]
Principal Jason Sorich introduced Beitashour to loud applause to start the day’s activities. The group of over 150 children participated well throughout the whole assembly, cheering Beitashour and each other on during Tuesday’s activities.
The Leland High School graduate stressed the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle had on his life growing up playing multiple sports. Beitashour told the children how the choices he made as a child to eat healthy foods helped him achieve his goal of becoming a professional soccer player. He also spoke to the children about the importance of staying active and not spending all day in front of the television. Beitashour explained that you can even remain active without sports equipment, by playing tag and running around.
After Beitashour finished speaking, he opened the floor to a question and answer session. He took a number of questions about his college career before inviting some children to come up and demonstrate some soccer skills. Beitashour also showed off a number of his own tricks, juggling with the winner of a juggling competition.
To conclude the afternoon, the 5’10” defender signed schedule posters and Earthquakes staff handed out over 125 jersey replica shirts and 250 tickets, donated by Amway, to the students to attend the Earthquakes next home game on Saturday, April 17 at 7 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium against the New England Revolution.
The Earthquakes and Amway teamed up to create the Amway Kicks for Kids program in 2009. The program returns for its second season in 2010. Through the program, Earthquakes players will visit 15 schools or community centers in the Bay Area to discuss the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle.
