Soccer scored with local youth on Thursday, when the New England Revolution hosted a workshop at the Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields on the Charles River Esplanade.
At that time, Santander Bank, joined the Revolution and the Esplanade Association, to sponsor a free event featuring a Revolution Academy public clinic, with skills and drills, and demonstration and instruction from athletes and coaches, as well as an appearance by star forward and New England native Charlie Davies and Slyde – the team’s mascot.
Tyler Rudy, a rookie who was among the six Revolution players in attendance, described the workshop as a great experience for his teammates and himself.
“It’s nice to be here supporting the children, and to reach out to the community,” Rudy said.
Deb Goudbout, the Revolution Academy’s program coordinator, said the soccer workshop served dual purposes – to both raise awareness of the sport, and to recruit new fans for the team, which calls Gillette Stadium its home base.
“Kids who can’t come to Foxboro can come and enjoy some training with us,” she said, “ and I love to promote appreciation for the game.”
Goudbout, added that the Academy’s inaugural outing on the Esplanade had particular revalence for her, since the park ranks among her favorite Boston landmarks.
“I come down here to bike,” she said. “It’s great to have these fields down here, and to get the kids playing.”