Pitching in to assist a community organization in need of helping hands is familiar territory for Edward Milne Community School’s Soccer Academy.
Students from the academy rolled up their sleeves and picked up paint brushes, rakes, shovels, and wheelbarrows on Wednesday to help out at the Sooke Horseshoe Club.
“We’ve always stressed the importance of giving back to our community because the community does so much for us,” said Kelly Hunter, who founded the soccer academy at the school 18 years ago. “This year, we’re helping the club prepare the horseshoe pitches for upcoming tournaments. With about 40 students here, we should be able to make quick work of it.”
In return for their efforts, the students get to take advantage of free lessons, learn the rules of etiquette and how to play horseshoes.
“It’s a real win for both groups,” Hunter noted.
Steve Bishop, maintenance director with the Sooke Horseshoe Club, said they appreciate the help provided by the soccer academy and the opportunity to involve more youth in the sport of horseshoes.
“It’s kind of a trade off with the club because the students come over and do the work and the club gives them free lessons,” he said.
It’s also an example of the great relationship between the club and the school, Bishop added.
The Sooke Horseshoe Club is hosting a Mixed Doubles Tournament from 10-4 on Saturday, May 25 at the pitch at 2250 Sooke River Rd.
For more on the club, visit https://www.facebook.com/SookeHorseshoes/
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