MONTGOMERY, Ala. ---- The Auburn University at Montgomery men's and women's soccer teams recently co-hosted a free local youth clinic with the Virginia Commonwealth University men's soccer program at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex.

The clinic, which was attended by more than 150 local youth players, featured stations with age-appropriate training and focused on technical skills of the game of soccer, including dribbling, passing, heading and finishing.

"This was another opportunity to work within the community and help grow our sport within the city of Montgomery," AUM women's soccer head coach Jamey Newsome said.

"It is crucial for both of our teams to be out in the community," AUM head men's coach Wulf Koch said. "It was especially nice to have the opportunity to play on the new facility that the city built to foster the development of soccer in the community. AUM men's and women's soccer is eager to assist in that effort."

The clinic last a little more than an hour and feature kids from age four to 18. Participating soccer groups included: Montgomery YMCA Recreation, FC Torjager, Capital City Streaks, Sunshine Soccer, Upward Bound Soccer and AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization).

The clinic was coordinated between AUM and VCU in large part to former AUM men's soccer coach Brett Teach, who is currently a top assistant with the Rams. VCU was in Alabama for an exhibition contest against UAB.

"We had a great time interacting with not only the kids, but also Brett Teach and the athletes from another quality soccer program," Koch concluded.

Both AUM soccer programs will open its 2012 season on Saturday, August 25. The women will take on Bethel (Tenn.) at 12 p.m., while the men will follow against Davenport (Mich.) at 3 p.m. Each game will be held at the AUM Soccer Complex.