PIKEVILLE – Members of the Pikeville College Bears Men’s Soccer Team, including Coach Ken McAlpine, Coach Adam Johnson and Coach Kevin Reigle, visited Mrs. Cantrell’s third-grade class at Pikeville Elementary on Thursday, April 14. It was a unique opportunity for the third grade class to ask questions and play soccer beside the Bears.

The elementary school children had the chance to ask questions and speak with several international players from the Bears’ roster to learn about different cultures.

"The event was just as fun and exciting for us as it was for the kids,” said Coach Ken McAlpine, a former Bear on the pitch. “The students were very enthusiastic and it showed in how much they were engaged in the drills and games. Some of the students play soccer in local leagues and they were pumped to get guidance from the college team.

“Many others had never played the game before, and the real reward for me was to be able to expose the game to these students, give them an appreciation and understanding of the sport, and make a difference in how they view soccer. Regardless of whether they ever touch another soccer ball, lessons learned from participation in sports transcends to all aspects of life, and I hope that our session with the kids encouraged some of them to get involved with the various physical activity options available in this area.”