Hundreds of young N.S. soccer players introduced to game this summer

11-year-old Jocelyn Ruta-Bezes, one of hundreds of kids in the Game On program offered across Nova Scotia. She's in this session with Halifax Soccer Club, Ignite. I'll be looking up to become a professional soccer player one day. And, like, I really want to be in one of those teams. I want to be in the top teams. Aimed at kids between 7 and 12 who'd never played organized soccer before, it was made possible through a partnership between the Canadian Olympic Committee, Canada Soccer and Soccer Nova Scotia provided the equipment and step-by-step session plans focused on basic skills and fun games. The goal was to capitalize on the excitement of the men's world cup. Because it was in Canada and it was everywhere right a lot of people that maybe hadn't played the game got inspired and we wanted to to give an opportunity for those kids. in total more than 450 kids registered at 11 clubs either for free or at low cost to families try your best use the toes and three steps okay let's go about 50 have been going to the sessions held by ignite soccer club a lot of kids discover themselves like okay like this is what i want this is what i'm here for i really love the game and i want to play and continue in the future like we We have so many kids, again, joining the program for free and became, like, questions. How I can be part of the team, how I can join in, and how I can register. Some of the club's younger coaches have volunteered their time to help mentor the players. Because they're so young, you can see them, like, grow so quickly. So I see kids who can, like, barely kick a ball, and then all of a sudden they're able to shoot and pass, and it's really nice to be able to see. Amazing. Give them a high five. Let's do it again. And the parents appreciate what it's done for their kids. I think it's very good for them. It's keeping them busy, very active. Soccer Nova Scotia is already hoping to run a similar program next year alongside the Women's World Cup. Gareth Hampshire, CBC News, Halifax.