Spirituality goal of church's soccer, bible study program

Soccer and Bible study has come to the Daniels Road Baptist Church in south Fort Myers.

The church on Daniels Parkway is offering a weekly youth soccer league for children ages three to sixth grade.

Soccer games begin at 6:45 p.m. and are followed up with spiritual instruction including drama and crafts.

"It's a combination vacation Bible school and soccer camp," said Pastor Jim Galvan about the league that continues through Aug. 6. "It's a great opportunity for the summer time."

The league is in its second summer and parents are also being drawn to participate.

"We have some parents that will come and watch the kids play in games and then go to Bible study," said Galvan about the league that is offered for $5. "This league is unique in that we offer the instruction with soccer and (something) spiritual as well."

The children who participate in the league are given T-shirts and meet every Wednesday night for warm-ups followed by games with other teams in the league.

"We are doing it for 10 weeks and it works because it matched our facilities uses," said Galvan about the large field in front of the church. "We have a nice field out front and it has just been popular."

The league is open to anyone regardless of religious affiliation and lasts until about 8:20 p.m.

"We have been offering adult Bible study every Wednesday year round so this league fits well with the activities we already have," Galvan said.