Daniel Hernandez, who has been a soccer all-star at every level, is hosting his Fourth Annual Christmas Community Soccer Clinic on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Tyler Junior College.
“The event will be a free clinic for the community of Tyler/East Texas that will allow all girls and boys between the ages of 5-14 to play soccer and receive autographs/photos with myself, along with some of my ex-pro teammates and Santa Claus!,” said Hernandez, who was an all-state player at John Tyler High School and an All-American at SMU. “The mission of these clinics is to positively impact the youth of our community through the sport of soccer.
“The focus is to (1) promote education; (2) promote healthy, active lifestyles through soccer; (3) give the kids an opportunity to interact with professional soccer players; and (4) collect toys for ‘Toys for Tots Foundation.’”
Registration deadline is Dec. 1. Registration is free with one unwrapped toy to benefit “Toys for Tots.”
The camp is from 2 to 4 p.m. (arrive by 1:30 p.m. for sign-up) and will be held at TJC’s Pat Hartley Field, 1400 East Fifth Street. Bring an unwrapped toy, soccer shoes and soccer ball. The first 125 kids to register will receive a soccer ball.
Hernandez added, “In our first three years, we have had over 300 kids each year, and want to make it even better this year.”
Hernandez is hoping to find sponsors, including a title sponsor. The sponors may make donations — monetary or in-kind to help the camp.
If interested contact Hernandez to discuss details of booths, signage, etc., for your company.
Contact Hernandez at www.hernandezsoccer.com.
Hernandez recently retired after 15 years as a professional soccer player. The Tyler native returned to Texas to sign with FC Dallas in 2009, as he captained the team to the 2010 MLS Cup. He has appeared in four MLS Cups during his career.
He is a former U.S. National Team player and played in Mexico’s first division for the Jaguares, Puebla and Necaxa.
Hernandez was a three-time All-American at SMU and the 1997 National Player of the Year.
Other coaches at the camp include Wylie College head coach Demetrio Hernandez, Robert E. Lee High School girls head coach Chris Woodard, Lee assistant coach Sara Hernandez and ex-pro Jesus Ledesma.