Kinderkicker Program to Benefit Locals Battling Cancer

A program that the Mahwah Raiders started last year for the township’s youngest soccer players is back, and this year it aims to help the community in a bigger way.

According to Raiders President George Kayal, registration is now open for the Kinderkickers program, which is a six-week clinic designed to introduce new players, ages 4-7, to soccer. The clinic will take place this year Wednesdays from April 17 through May 22 at Continental Soldiers Field.

“Last year, we were expecting about 30 kids to show up, and we got over 150,” Kayal said of the program’s inaugural year. “It was a tremendous success.”

This year, Kayal said he and the Raiders decided to put the enthusiasm for the program to good use.

All proceeds from the Kinderkicker program will be donated to Mahwah families dealing with cancer, and the American Cancer Society.

“My son Joseph was diagnosed with Leukemia two years ago,” Kayal explained of how he got the idea to donate this year’s profits. “Thank God, he has gone through treatment and is doing well now, but we met a lot of local families who are struggling with cancer. This seemed like a great opportunity to help them.”

The Kinderkicker clinic costs $65. Residents can register their kids online.

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