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Staff Reports

Santa Ana – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) recently hosted its 12^th Annual Spring Youth Soccer Camp (SYSC) for selected students from Russell Elementary School in Santa Ana.

SYSC is an ongoing community gang prevention effort organized through the Orange County Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP) that encourages youth to avoid the eminent dangers of gang life, and get involved in healthy team-building extra-curricular programs.

The three day spring break soccer clinic kicked off on Apr. 6, and concluded on Wed., Apr. 8.  The program was held at Russell Elementary School.

During the camp, approximately 44 students between the ages of 9 and 11 spent the mornings taking part in a fitness agility course and learning soccer techniques from volunteer coaches to improve their athletic skills, health, and self-esteem. Students also participated in afternoon educational workshops where they had an opportunity to learn about law enforcement and positive decision-making from a deputy district attorney, police officers, educators, and Chapman University students. The educational workshops focused on building character and defining career goals.

OCDA Bureau of Investigation Chief, Craig Hunter, awarded participating students with a Certificate of Achievement that recognized their physical accomplishment and encouraged them to refrain from gang activity in the future by succeeding in school and making positive lifestyle choices.

This event was sponsored by the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping instill a sense of hope, opportunity, and accomplishment in our community’s youth.