More than 500 students took part in the annual Volunteer After School Soccer Program (VASSP) Championship.  Sponsored by Socorro Independent School District, VASSP offers students from kindergarten through 6th grade the opportunity to build their soccer and teamwork skills.  For the past eight years, VASSP has held a championship competition for the teams.  Throughout the fall, more than 100 teams compete in four divisions.  To cap the season, the top two teams in each division vie for a championship title.

Winning first place in the Minor Division (Pre K-1st grade) was Desert Wind School, taking second place was Benito Martinez Elementary and a tie for third for Robert Rojas Elementary and Jane A. Hambric School.  In the Intermediate Division (2nd -3rd grades), Desert Wind takes first place, Helen Ball Elementary wins second while the teams from John Drugan School and Lujan Chavez Elementary take third.  Desert Wind tops the Senior Division (4th -5th grades) while Lujan Chavez places second and Campestre and Roberto Ituarte Elementary schools share third place.

In the PROS (6th grade) Division, Socorro Middle School wins first with John Drugan taking second and Ernest Serna School and Desert Wind in third.

“Our After School Soccer Program provides a positive environment and helps students improve not only athletic skills but their grades as well,” said Jose Hernandez Jr., SISD Supervisor for after school activities. “The VASSP goal is to enhance personal and academic growth.  Through VASSP, students are developing social skills, and gaining self-esteem.”

Hernandez added that the after school program also offers track and field, softball for students. Some schools have added teams for cheerleading and chess and plans are being made to begin a flag football program.

The program in its 8th year and provides students the opportunity to play in organized sports at a young age while getting parents involved in their child’s school.  More than 20 schools participate in the program which relies on volunteer coaches.  At least 100 teams and 3000 students take part in soccer program. The program is open to all students, and aims to get students involved in sports without the high costs that are associated with play in leagues.