Sept. 24, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Over the last two years, the Samford University soccer program has become heavily involved in NorthStar Youth Ministries.

NorthStar is a non-profit urban ministry focused on helping youth find their direction. The ministry offers afterschool enrichment programs, a summer camp and a fall and spring soccer club program.

In the fall of 2008, several members of the Samford soccer program began volunteering with the organization. The players' involvement in the ministry was initiated by assistant coach Sharon Young.

In January of 2009, the Mid-State Soccer League disbanded and gave a grant of its remaining monetary assets to NorthStar. With the additional funds, NorthStar was able to hire former soccer player Val Kikkert on a full-time basis after she graduated from Samford in the Spring of 2009.

Kikkert said the ministry focuses on both the educational and spiritual well-being of its youth.

"We focus on keeping kids engaged in educational activities and provide spiritual mentoring and encouragement through our programs," Kikkert said.

So far this fall, Samford players have continued to come out once a week to volunteer at North Star's Monday evening soccer practices, with at least 10 players showing up each night. Practices are held next to Legion Field, and the soccer matches are played at Vestavia Central Soccer Park on Friday nights at 6 and 7 p.m., and Saturdays throughout the day at different locations throughout the Birmingham area.

"The Samford soccer girls have been very reliable this season," Kikkert said. "I can count on them to teach the kids how to play soccer and give them great love and attention. I couldn't ask for better volunteers at NorthStar practices."

Kikkert said the Samford players seem to enjoy the practices and being around the youth involved in the program.

"Having played Samford Soccer myself, I know how much of a time commitment the fall season is, but the girls have not shown any indications of Monday night NorthStar practices being a burden to them," Kikkert said. "It's obvious they all want to be out there and are having a lot of fun. My personal connection to the team made recruiting those girls to help out a lot easier, but they are clearly motivated to love and serve on their own."

Along with the Samford student-athletes, volunteers include Birmingham-Southern students, parents and high school soccer players from the Birmingham area. Kikkert said more volunteers are welcomed on Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

For more information on NorthStar Youth Ministry, please contact Kikkert at 205-586-2959, or by e-mail at valkikkert@gmail.com. You can also find information at www.northstaryouthministries.org.