San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Andrew Weber visited Montague Elementary School in Santa Clara Wednesday 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.
Principal Eric Lewis introduced Weber to loud applause from the entire school. The group of over 300 children participated well throughout the assembly, cheering the Quakes goalkeeper and each other during Wednesday’s activities.
The New Mexico graduate stressed the impact a healthy diet and active lifestyle had on his life growing up playing multiple sports. Weber explained to 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.
After he finished speaking, Weber opened the floor to a question and answer session. He took a number of questions about his professional career before inviting some children to come up and demonstrate some soccer skills. The highlight of the day was when Weber played Head and Catch with the children. When Weber yelled head, the students were supposed to catch the ball thrown to them, and when he yelled catch, they were supposed to head the ball.
To conclude the afternoon, the 6’2” goalkeeper signed autographs 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, May 8 at 7 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium against the New York Red Bulls.
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.
