SAN FRANCISCO --- Members of the 2011 SF State Gators men's soccer team volunteered the past two weekends at the San Francisco branch of E-Soccer at Washington High School. 
 
The Gators coached and mentored children of the E-Soccer program, organizing games and conducting a clinic. 
 
“We were honored to be able to assist the folks at E-Soccer the past two weekends,” said head coach Joe Hunter. “They do a wonderful job showing special needs children the joy and excitement playing soccer. Our players to a man were in awe of the children's smiles and enthusiasm.  I felt it made them realize there is a whole other world out there besides SF State and athletics.”
 
The E-Soccer (Exceptional Children Soccer) is an all-volunteer program that has been running for nine years in the Bay Area, teaching soccer to children ages 5 and up in an inclusive environment.  The program is dedicated to empowering both typical and special needs children of all abilities to reach their full athletic and social potential.  E-soccer's inclusion methodology promotes leadership, social, character, and athletic development for each child in an individual manner.  They respect every child's ability to be successful and included.  Children are taught to learn from one another.

"E-soccer is an amazing program." said SF State junior goalkeeper Mike McNeill.  "What they are doing is awesome."  "As a player, and member of SF State Athletics, I think this is something that we should be involved in on a regular basis."
 
For more information on e-Soccer, please go to http://e-soccer.org/.