Ahead of Princeton’s first football game of the season, the Princeton Varsity Club (PVC) hosted its annual complimentary Youth Sports Clinic for children ages 5 to 12 on Finney and Campbell Fields. With over 300 registered children and 200 Princeton Varsity athletes from 15 different teams, many local families and athletes bonded over games and activities.
This clinic was a part of PVC’s mission to connect Princeton athletes with the surrounding community through service and leadership. Each team set up a station to introduce the kids to their sport.
“My favorite part about it is being able to connect with what brought us here in the first place,” said senior defender Caroline Kane, a member of the women’s soccer team. “A lot of student athletes here at Princeton still secretly have that little kid in them that they want to make proud on the field … and this is such a great chance to connect with that aspect again.”
For Kane, the clinic also demonstrated the broader values behind Princeton athletics. “It reminds us what it’s all worth,” she explained. “We’re here for more than just our sport. We’re here to make an impact on the world and the community around us…The PVC clinic is a good example of that, but it’s one of many opportunities Princeton gives us to serve.”
Other athletes echoed Kane’s sentiment. Senior softball infielder and catcher, Julia Dumais, shares Kane’s feelings and mentions how the PVC clinic is one of many events that bring together both athletes and families.
“I think for Princeton, it brings all the athletes together as one unit to spread the joy of what being an athlete and playing sports means,” Dumais said. “Personally, it’s also just a great way to give back. Growing up, I didn’t really have something like this, so seeing all these different sports come together, even ones kids might not have been exposed to before, is amazing.”
Like Dumais, senior lacrosse midfielder Jamison Moore emphasized the importance of giving back. Having participated in the clinic all four years, he reflected on how the event connects his own childhood memories of looking up to older athletes with his role at the PVC clinic.
“This is my fourth year being a part of the clinic, and it’s just really great to be able to give back to the community,” Moore said. “When I was younger, I always idolized the older kids in my town. Now, being in that role myself, I see a little bit of me in all the kids here. It’s an awesome opportunity to pass it forward.”
Moore talked about giving back to the community by teaching kids how to catch, throw, and pick up the ball. He views the clinic as a whole as a great way to grow the game.
After the clinic, many families were invited to attend Princeton football’s matchup against the University of San Diego in Powers Stadium. This event offered an opportunity to celebrate sports, mentorship, and the spirit of service that defines the PVC’s work.
Matthew Yi is an assistant Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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