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Kids have a ball at sports clinic

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One sport involves using your feet. One involves your hands. Both include dribbling.

Soccer and basketball are vastly different sports, but on Sundays, both are being played at Forest Lake Elementary School. The training clinics for both sports are hosted by the Wantagh Seaford Soccer Club, and allow children to stay active and hone their skills during the winter.

Last Sunday, children and their parents had a reminder that all sports are indoors for now, as they trudged through fresh snow and slush before entering the gymnasium. Marco Tonello was leading the soccer instruction, and Tom Desroches was handling basketball.

Children ages 3 to 11 are invited to the clinics, which are split into four age groups. Tonello caters his instruction to the skill level of the kids. For his youngest pupils, he teaches them basic soccer skills through a variety of drills, including how to simply be comfortable with the ball.

“If they’re having fun, then they’re willing to learn,” Tonello, of Massepequa, said. “If you try to force feed them, they’re going to hate it.”

Dave and Christine Marino, of Seaford, stayed to watch their 4-year-old son, Gavin, get some one-on-one instruction. They noted that Gavin wants to learn how to play everything, so the soccer clinic is the perfect chance for him to gain his first exposure to the sport known as football everywhere else.

They also praised the personalized instruction that Tonello offers. “He’s great with the children and makes soccer fun,” Christine Marino said.

At the other end of the gym, Desroches, a Wantagh native and Forest Lake graduate, teaches the basics of basketball. Like Tonello, he wants the children to be comfortable with the ball and enjoy playing the sport. He also works with the children at their level, so kids in the 3- and 4-year-old group are learning how to dribble and where to stand on the court, while his 7 and 8 years olds are working on more advanced skills like rebounds and layups.

Desroches said that the basketball program is in its infancy, so far only offering skills clinics, but hopes to start some intramural teams in the future.

Parents are happy for the opportunity for their children to learn the sport from knowledgeable staff. “I think it’s great,” said Tonia Flavin, of Wantagh, whose 5-year-old son, Ryan, comes to the clinics. “The coaches are really good with the kids.”

Martina Tretter’s 5-year-old son, Lino, said she has seen his dribbling skills improve, and he has acquired a better knowledge of the game. She said he looks forward to coming every week and getting some exercise during the winter.

“He’s gained confidence,” said Tretter, of Wantagh. “He really loves it. He’s tried a lot of other sports, but basketball is his favorite.”

The six-week winter program ends next week, but the club holds clinics throughout the year.