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Tuesday, December 16, 2008 10:33 AM Hesmer happy to give back MLS star, other pros to host soccer clinic Saturday By Paul Durham | Sports Editor On Saturday afternoon, young soccer players in Wilson will have an unprecedented learning opportunity. Professional goalkeeper William Hesmer, fresh off the Major League Soccer championship with the Columbus Crew, will conduct the Playing for Peace Soccer Clinic along with some talented and experienced friends to benefit Wesley Shelter of Wilson. Hesmer, a former Hunt High School and Wake Forest University star, will be joined by a pair of fellow pros -- his former Wake teammate Wells Thompson, now with the New England Revolution of the MLS, and former Hunt teammate Phillip Long, currently with the Carolina RailHawks of the United Soccer Leagues. Also on the staff will be another ex-Warrior, Robert Lane, now the men's head coach at Coker College; former Fike High and current Wake women's starter Sarah Winslow; and Connor Bedgood, who just completed a standout career at Barton College. But that might not be all. "There might be some more guys who will come to this," Hesmer said, listing current Wake All-American forward Cody Arnoux as potentially showing up Saturday. The clinic will focus on basic skills with expert instruction. "As of right now, we've got it set up to try and cover pretty much everything," Hesmer said. "Obviously the skill set with the younger players, it will vary a little bit. We'll start with technical ball work and drills and go from juggling to basic abilities with the ball." There will also be a silent auction during the clinic featuring items autographed by members of the MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew along with other MLS stars, including David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy. Despite the potential for rain Saturday, Hesmer shrugged off the possibility. "Rain never stopped us," he said. "As long as it's not freezing. Fiftys (degrees) and rain is ideal of us soccer players." Hesmer said that depending on the number of clinic attendees there will be additional support staff from local high school teams. Around 60 players have already signed up, but Hesmer said there is no limit on the number of attendees, especially since all proceeds go to benefit Wesley Shelter, for which he has an inside connection. His mother, Janet, is the executive director of the organization, which provides support for victims of domestic violence. This isn't the first time, William has tried to help Wesley Shelter. "Ironically, I talked to the Wesley Shelter one year about doing it for them before my mom was involved. For some reason, they couldn't do it," he said. While Hesmer is more than happy to donate his time to a worthy cause, he is more excited about being able to give back to the city that helped him get his start in soccer. "I know my mom's not going to like this, but that's why I'm doing it," he said. "(Helping) the Wesley Shelter and raising money is good, but my first goal is giving back to soccer and trying to grow it here." paul@wilsontimes.com | 265-7808 ============================================================ Playing for Peace Soccer Clinic WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine) WHERE: Gillette Soccer Complex, 3238 Corbett Ave. AGES: 5-18 COST: $50, includes lunch and a T-shirt. (All proceeds to go to The Wesley Shelter of Wilson.) INSTRUCTORS: William Hesmer (goalkeeper, MLS Columbus Crew); Wells Thompson (midfielder, MLS New England Revolution); Phillip Long (midfielder, USL Carolina RailHawks); Robert Lane (head men's soccer coach, Coker College); Sarah Winslow (junior forward, Wake Forest University women's team); Connor Bedgood (senior defender, Barton College men's team). HOW TO REGISTER: Forms may be picked up from the following locations -- Belle and Company; The Nook; The Dog House; EB Sports, Nowell and Company; Dick's Hot Dog Stand; Recreation Park Community Center; Omega Sports; York, Simpson and Underwood (Raleigh); Greenville Recreation Center (Greenville). SILENT AUCTION: During the clinic, items signed by MLS stars, including David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy, will be auctioned. |
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