Colorado Rapids and Denver Broncos hold ‘Football vs. Fútbol’ skills clinic for local kids

On Tuesday night, 100 local boys and girls got the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only did they get to run around on the field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, but they got to participate in activities led by some of the best - Shkelzen Gashi, Michael Azira, and Bobby Burling of the Colorado Rapids, and Brandon McManus, Riley Dixon, and Casey Krieter of the Denver Broncos.

Abbie Mood

The “Football vs. Fútbol” skills clinic included children from rec programs in the Denver area. The kids practiced dribbling skills, shooting skills, and field goal kicking skills. They seemed to especially enjoy goofing off with the team mascots.

“It was fantastic,” Gashi said of the event. “The kids had a big smile on their face, and they’re the future of our country, of our city. It was great.” It looked like everyone was having a great time, and it was really wonderful to see so many parents in the stands cheering their kids on as they dribbled through cones or chased down the ball.

While Gashi taught the kids how to score goals...

Abbie Mood

...Michael Azira played Sharks and Minnows with them.

Abbie Mood

It was nice to see Bobby Burling out there, too, since he’s been out for the past couple games with a fractured toe. Burling feels like he’s “finally turned a corner” and the “end goal is obviously the play-offs.” He’s hoping to start practicing again next week and be back on the pitch sooner rather than later.

Abbie Mood

Even the mascots joined in on the fun.

Abbie Mood

The first “Football vs. Fútbol” event was held down in Denver at the Broncos practice facility, and basically involved Marlon Hairston running routes and Zac Macmath and Gashi blasting field goals. They also had a friendly little FIFA competition. Check it out here if you missed it.