CALLAWAY – We hear a lot of conversation these days about the importance of getting children from behind electronic devices and into the great outdoors for some exercise. One Callaway mom took that to heart and decided to do something about it – and her idea was wildly successful.
Tessa Keeney got the idea to start a youth soccer program in Callaway earlier this spring. The first thing she did was contact someone she knew was already running a successful youth program, the Arnold Rotary.
“I have to give a huge shout-out to Allie Goodenow. I contacted her and the Rotary helped me get started,” said Keeney. “We play games against each other, which is awesome because when these kids get bigger they will play sports together.”
The response to the program has been phenomenal, and Keeney said she could not be more excited. They began practice in late March with 70 – yes, 70 kiddos! They have been playing on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the month of April; Tuesdays are always in Callaway, and a select few Thursdays are in Arnold.
“I didn’t know what to expect this first year. The sponsorships from local sponsors have been incredible. I had businesses reach out to me to say they would like to sponsor, and I had probably over $2,000 in sponsorship with close to 10 local businesses sponsoring! So this first year has been pretty much cost-free for the parents,” Keeney shared enthusiastically. “I had to buy goals and soccer balls so this first year was a big start-up cost. Every kid gets a shirt as well.”
The soccer league is for kids in pre-K through 6th grade. “The number of kids is amazing, but not only the kids – the number of parents who stepped up to volunteer! Without them this would not have been possible. I have six different teams and one or two coaches per team, and I have parents out there coaching and refing. It’s been a wonderful first year!
“I remember our first practice and seeing all the kids out there running around and all of the parents gathered around the field. It just looked like a huge tailgate party! It was neat to see,” Keeney continued.
She added another big thank-you to Callaway Public School for the use of the practice field for the soccer program. “Mr. Hanson has been very helpful in getting this started.”
Of the 70 participants in this year’s program, three are from the Broken Bow/Oconto area and the rest are Callaway kids. “I’m just so excited! It’s been fun.”
Keeney said she felt it was very important to bring a program to Callaway rather than always having to travel to Broken Bow for similar activities. She said the community has embraced the idea and offered tremendous support.
For example, Mrs. Robinson’s Cafe has started opening on Tuesday evenings to accommodate soccer families who may want to come in for supper after games.
“I feel like soccer is just such a wonderful sport. The kids can just get out there and run around,” said Keeney. “Mr. Hanson put it this way, ‘It’s just organized chaos.’ And that’s what it’s been. But it keeps something local and you don’t have to be real technical about it.”
Keeney’s enthusiasm is contagious. “I plan to continue this next year. It’s been wonderful.”
Sponsors for the Callaway Youth Soccer Association include Keeney Tree Service and Fencing; Callaway District Hospital; Callaway True Value; Callaway Market; J.R. Meyer Insurance Agency; Shotgun Annie’s Saloon and Grill; TEAM Physical Therapy, AgriBest Feeds; DS Buildings; First Interstate Bank; Nebraska State Bank; Dvorak Farms; Mrs. Robinson’s Cafe; Henry’s Bar and Grill; Nebraska Owner’s Insurance Agency; Progressive Fertilizer; and Callaway Booster Club.
