SAN JOSE, Calif. - Earthquakes midfielder Sam Cronin visited LUCHA Elementary in San Jose on Wednesday in the 16th Amway Kicks for Kids event of 2011. In its third year of existence, Amway Kicks for Kids teaches local youth about the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
The day began when Kristin Burt, the elementary school principal, introduced Cronin to the third, fourth and fifth graders in attendance. The group of 125 kids from the school welcomed him with chants and cheers.
PHOTO GALLERY: Photos from Cronin's visit to LUCHA Elementary
VIDEO: See more from Sam's visit.
The North Carolina native spoke to the children about his journey to becoming a professional athlete. He told them that he started playing soccer when he was about five years old and looked up to his three older brothers who played sports. He played soccer all the way through college and he attended Wake Forest University. Throughout the story, he stressed how important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle and stay in school.
During the question-and-answer session, Cronin chatted with the kids about healthy food and beverage choices as well as staying active and getting plenty of sleep.
To conclude the afternoon, Cronin signed player cards and Earthquakes staff handed out 125 replica jersey t-shirts and tickets, courtesy of Amway, to the students for San Jose’s 16th home game of the season on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium against Sporting Kansas City.
The Earthquakes and Amway teamed up to create Amway Kicks for Kids in 2009. The program is in its third season in 2011. Through Amway Kicks for Kids, Earthquakes players will visit 17 schools or community centers in the Bay Area to discuss the importance of being active and living a healthy lifestyle.
