Sep. 1, 2023 By John Schilling
The Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens (BGCMQ) welcomed children from across the borough to P.S. 146 in Howard Beach last month for a soccer clinic as a part of the club’s summer camp.
Sponsored by McDonald’s New York Metro Restaurants, the soccer clinic was made up of numerous stations throughout the school’s gym space run by youth coaches for children ages 10 to 13. Each station offered the kids an opportunity to complete a challenge and receive a prize.
The soccer clinic was made up of numerous stations throughout the school’s gym space run by youth coaches for children ages 10 to 13 years.Photo courtesy of BGCMQ
“At Boys & Girls Clubs, we do whatever it takes to ensure all kids are on a path toward a Great Future, even in the summer,” BGCMQ said in a statement. “We provide kids with safe and fun summer experiences that give them the confidence to learn, explore, grow and discover their passion.”
Established in 1957, BGCMQ aims to provide a safe space for all children across New York City with afterschool programs that emphasize education and the “emotional, social, and physical development of youth.” After over 65 years in operation, BGCMQ, which is based in Richmond Hill, has served more than 5,000 children across nine locations in Queens.
Each station offered the kids an opportunity to complete a challenge and receive a prize.Photo courtesy of BGCMQ
In addition to P.S. 146 in Howard Beach, the program’s other sites include P.S. 62 in South Richmond Hill, P.S. 90 in Richmond Hill, P.S. 121 in South Ozone Park and P.S. 97 in Woodhaven. With these locations, BGCMQ averages about 950 children between the ages of 4 and 18 each day.
During the school year, BGCMQ provides homework support, STEM enrichment and literacy programming to the club’s young members while also offering a teen center that focuses on college prep and workforce readiness for older members.
When school is out for the summer, BGCMQ’s work continues with the seven-week summer camp that runs five days a week from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day.
The soccer clinic was held in P.S. 146 in Howard Beach.Photo courtesy of BGCMQ
Through sports activities — like the soccer clinic — and field trips, BGCMQ’s goal is to develop the city’s youth into productive members of society while also keeping them safe and off the streets during the summer months.
“BGCMQ has inspired and enabled all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens,” the club’s statement said. “Clubs do whatever it takes to ensure that kids and teens have a memorable summer and are prepared for the upcoming school year.”