A league of their own

Heights soccer moms have a league of their own and an opportunity to play the game they love.

After countless hours driving kids to soccer or cheering from the sidelines, soccer moms in the Heights now have the opportunity to play soccer--thanks to Sean Sullivan.

Sullivan is a teacher at Oxford Elementary, founder of Heights United Soccer Academy and head coach for men's varsity soccer at Heights High. He started the mom’s league to teach foot skills and soccer rules, and to play informal games.

“It’s turned into something so special. They’ve really worked hard,” said Sullivan. Around 18 moms are now on the team and they compete against other local teams. 

Casey Maicki, who has three kids on the Eastside Kickers soccer club, joined the women's team this year. Although she has played soccer since kindergarten, others on the team have experience ranging from none at all to playing on a college team. 

“The mom's league is a blast. I love the sport and it’s good exercise for a busy mom,” said Maicki. “I’ve learned so much from Sean. He even uses a Smartboard in his classroom to teach us. We do foot skills and scrimmages, and we get to go out afterwards!” 

The mom’s league was established to honor Sullivan’s mom, Joan. She was a huge soccer fan and a tireless community volunteer. After being diagnosed with liver disease in 1985, Joan Sullivan died in 2008. “She always wished someone had coached her,” said her son. “When I coach this team, I see glimpses of my own mom out there. I’m so very proud of this.” 

For more information, or to join the mom's team, contact Sullivan at S_Sullivan@chuh.org.  

Gay Eyerman is a professional freelance writer living in University Heights. Three of her five children play on Eastside Kickers teams.

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Volume 3, Issue 5, Posted 11:52 AM, 04.16.2010