OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Dozens of metro area kids spent their day off from school at the fourth annual Shields SAFEHOME Soccer Clinic - Tackling Domestic Violence.
Former Kansas City Chiefs lineman and Pro Football Hall of Famer Will Shields hosts the event which benefits SAFEHOME, Johnson County’s only provider of comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence.
"That's one thing you have to learn is how to deal with different people on different levels," said Shields.
Sports is all about teamwork. Learning how to build healthy relationships was one of the goals of Monday's camp.
"If we can help one person, then it starts from there, and you just sort of start the ball rolling," said Shields.
Each year, 8,000 individuals receive the support they need to lead healthy, independent lives through SAFEHOME’s shelter and community services.
"Domestic violence affects all ages and all sexes," said Stephanie Volk with SAFEHOME.
That's why Shields and SAFEHOME want to tackle domestic violence, starting with kids and teaching student-athletes about healthy relationships both on and off the field.
"We're here to teach kids about how to interact with each other, whether it's your friends or as they get older, kind of teaching them what it is to be in a healthy relationship," said Volk.
Proceeds from the clinic will benefit SAFEHOME and provide things like therapy and legal counsel for victims of domestic violence.
