(Image courtesy of Amanda Thick)

FLINT, Mich. — Flint Style Soccer is kicking off its inaugural “Empowering Women in Soccer, Flint Style!” clinic this Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Atwood Stadium.

The event, held in partnership with Flint City AFC and the University of Michigan-Flint Women’s Soccer Program, is open to girls of all skill levels and aims to provide both technical training and personal mentorship.

Participants will take part in skill-building sessions, goalkeeper training, and a Player Wellness Workshop designed for parents and coaches. Players from Flint City AFC will lead the training sessions.

Registration is $5 per participant, with scholarships available for low-income families.

Clinic schedule by age group:

  • Grades 1–6: 10 a.m.
  • Grades 7–12: Noon

“Our goal is to make this an annual tradition,” said Erin Franzen, president of Flint Style Soccer, in a May 5 press release. “The more we invest in our girls now, the stronger our entire community becomes.”

The day kicks off with a special 10 a.m. session on supporting young athletes’ physical and mental health, led by a team of health professionals:

  • Dr. Cody Chapman, DPT
  • Monica Perez, PTA
  • Jessica Price, PA-C

Carrie Taylor, vice president of operations for the USL Super League and technical director of the USL Women’s Pathway, said the idea for the clinic came from her former high school teammate and fellow Spartan, Monica Perez. Despite their college rivalry—Taylor is a Michigan alum—the two united behind a shared mission.

“Being a Wolverine myself, we wanted to come together and inspire young people to dream big and achieve their goals through soccer,” Taylor said. “And through the hard work of Flint Style, the Flint City Bucks, and Flint City AFC, we have been collaborating to create an annual camp for girls only. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

Taylor, a Flint native and a respected figure in women’s soccer, will attend and participate in the event.

For more information or to inquire about scholarships, email SoccerFlintStyle@gmail.com or visit the event page.

Ramona Watson is a 28-year-old Flint native with a love for art, culture, and the written word, as well as a keen interest in learning more about Flint not only as a city but as a community. Ramona graduated...