PITTSBURGH (April 29, 2018) – Playing his ninth year of professional soccer, Ben Zemanski often serves as a veteran leader for Riverhounds SC on the pitch.
So when the Akron, Ohio native attended his first-ever Watson Institute Special Kick Clinic, presented by PJ Dick, on April 29 at Highmark Stadium, he immediately stepped in as a leader at one of the event’s soccer stations – one where children would “bowl,” shooting one ball and trying to knock others off of cones.
At the sixth annual Special Kick Clinic, the Hounds professional team and the Watson Institute teamed up with children with special needs and their families. These children had a chance to participate in uniquely designed soccer drills and stations that safely and carefully accommodated each child.
“We’re all extremely happy and fortunate to be here,” Zemanski said. “These kids bring a ton of joy to the day and it’s an unreal event.”
At other soccer stations, children weaved through slalom-type poles and then took aim at soccer nets. As the entire Riverhounds SC professional squad interacted with the children, there were many smile-filled moments throughout the afternoon.
“It’s brilliant,” Kevin Kerr said. “Since the very first year, it’s always been marked on the calendar. It’s one of everyone’s favorite days.”
Riverhounds SC Operations Manager and Academy Program Director John Rotz originally helped start the Special Kick Clinic when it came to fruition in 2013. As the event has progressed through the years, Rotz has been a staple in organizing the event. To kick off this year’s event, the former Pittsburgh professional team assistant coach introduced the current Hounds professional players to the crowd and led everyone in a cheer.
“We have a pretty new group of boys on the team, and you can tell how they’re engaged,” Rotz said. “It’s really refreshing to see because there are so many new players on the team this year that they’re coming out and they are giving back to not only these kids, but the community of Pittsburgh.”
The Watson Institute is a nonprofit organization that has provided services to children with special needs since 1917. Watson provides educational, evaluation and diagnostic services to more than more than 1,300 children annually from across western Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio.
“I think anyone’s favorite memory is the ability to see kids enjoy a day of soccer and children with special needs be able to come out and enjoy the day with their parents,” said Barry Bohn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Watson Institute.
For more information on the Watson Institute and its mission, visit thewatsoninstitute.org.
