UWM To Host Excellency Clinic Summer TournamentMay 26, 2006 MILWAUKEE - The nationally-ranked University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer program is set to host the Excellency Clinic's Summer Tournament June 30th at 4:30 on Engelmann Field, the home of the Panthers. This will be the Excellency Clinic's second fundraising tournament of 2006 and it is elated to have the opportunity to play on the prestigious Engelmann Field. Chris Dadaian, assistant men's soccer coach at UWM, is the Director of Goalkeeping for the Excellency Clinic, which develops young soccer players both athletically and in community service. The Excellency Clinic was created by former UWM player and current Marquette University assistant men's soccer coach, Khaled El-Ahmad, with the assistance of another former UWM player, Ryan Seymour, who serves as Director of Operations. The organization funds opportunities for other children through the vehicle of soccer. The June 30 summer tournament will be a follow-up to the very successful spring event, which was also organized by the Excellency Clinic at Marquette University. The spring fundraiser generated $2,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The summer tournament will feature teams competing in 3-on-3 street-style play in a World Cup format. The entry fee for the tournament is $15 per participant, with all proceeds benefiting youth soccer programs. The tournament will directly follow the last of six Panther Camps held at Engelmann Field. The Panther Camps run from June 12-30 and are for boys and girls ages 7-13. Go to the following webpage for more information regarding the UWM summer camps: Participation in the Excellency Clinic is not required to compete in the tournament. The tournament is open to all kids ages U8-U16, and registration forms must be completed by June 10. "This is a fantastic opportunity for the participants and the Excellency Clinic to raise money for the benefit of youth soccer," Dadaian said. "The proceeds raised will go to the Strategic Club Program, which is an initiative to help fund current needs of youth soccer in Wisconsin." "I'm excited that after the great success and impact the spring tournament had, the Excellency Clinic and Marquette can now bring two great Division I soccer programs (Marquette & UWM) together for a great cause," El-Ahmad said. "It's not just about the Excellency Clinic and the participating kids helping out, it's about two very good nationally-recognized soccer programs realizing that they can make a difference." "I have known Chris, Khaled and Ryan for many years and it is fantastic to see them giving back to the game and these kids," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "They have a passion for the game and a desire to share it with these kids. We are looking forward to having these great players back on Engelmann Field." Participants in the June 30 event will receive a commemorative tournament t-shirt in addition to establishing friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. This is a great way to help the community and give other kids the chance to enjoy the beautiful game, SOCCER!! For more information regarding the June 30 tournament and the ability to donate and sponsor please contact, Chris Dadaian (414) 750-2040; or by e-mail at dadaian@uwm.edu.
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