Students Score with Revs Goalkeeper

Twelve kids had the opportunity of a lifetime.

It was a night to remember for St. John the Evangelist School students who won the opportunity to meet and receive soccer instruction and pointers from Matt Reis, starting goalkeeper for the New England Revolution and member of the US soccer team. 

The students were able to meet Reis and participate in the clinic because they had the winning bid during a recent auction held by St. John the Evangelist School.

The night started with all of the kids excited to meet Reis. The Revs keeper began with a dribbling drill. He taught the kids several methods of cutting the ball and turning with the ball.

Reis was very dedicated to the kids and wanted to make the experience personal to each student. His number one priority was that the students were having fun. He accomplished that by cracking jokes and being playful. 

For most young children, shooting the ball is their favorite part of the game. Luckily, Reis gave them a shooting drill before splitting up the children and having them scrimmage.

Jim Albanese has been a New England Revolution fan for years so he did not want to miss the opportunity for his son, Tyler, a fifth-grader at St. John to meet Reis. "He has been playing for over five years," Albanese said, "he plays forward." Albanese said his son was "very excited" when he heard he would be meeting Reis. 

One child has had quite the week. Devin Andrade, Brent Trethewey's son, won a championship last Sunday for his youth soccer league. Lucky for him, the good times keep on rolling. "He has been playing since he was three," Trethewey said.

Reis took pictures with all of the children individually and after the event with the entire family. The kids got plenty of autographs, as Reis was willing to sign shirts, pictures and soccer balls. 

It was obvious that Reis clearly enjoyed his time instructing the children. "The knowledge I have is invaluable," he said. "My goal is to pass it along to the younger generation."

Giving back is also part of the Revs' way, accord to Reis. 

"I believe it's really important for the Revs to have an identity in the community," he said."It's great to give back."

Reis personally enjoys the gratification that comes with instructing the children on something he is passionate about.  

"I can see myself in their shoes," he said. "It's always great when the kids get it," he said. "They do a move you were just talking about."

It was an exciting night for the parents, children and the community as a whole. These kids will never forget this experience. The environment was packed with energy the entire night. It was a win-win situation for everyone involved with the event.