WS Chronicle

Without scoring a single goal or even stepping foot on a soccer field, more than 100 second and third graders at South Fork Elementary School used the game of soccer to teach sportsmanship and other life lessons last Thursday when they performed the musical “GOAL!” 

While celebrating the world’s most popular sport, the play written by John Jacobson and John Higgins also teaches students about good sportsmanship, setting goals, and being a part of a team. The play made its way to the big stage and bright lights of South Fork Elementary, thanks to music teacher Ashley Hayes, who has been working with students since September on songs and choreography. 

“Honestly I picked soccer because I have a hard time getting second- and third-grade boys to sing,” continued Hayes. “… it just isn’t their thing, so I thought I could get them to sing if it was about soccer or something competitive, they might get into it.”

Hayes said working with students also served as a confidence builder for students who are learning English as a second language. 

 “I like for the kids to be the star and for parents to come in and tear the roof off the place,” laughed Hayes. “I try to maximize their ability to just be confident.”

Just before the morning production of the play last week, The Chronicle spoke with a few stars from the play. Third-grader Nathan Beamon said, “What I enjoyed most is that it’s about friendship and coming together.”

Third-grader Kiyany Smith, who played Picky Patty, a newcomer to the game who has lot a of questions about soccer, or football as it’s called in other parts of the world, said what she enjoyed most was singing. 

Smith said her favorite song was “El Juego Bonito.” Other original songs featured in the production were “Kick It,” “Awesome,” “It’s Not If You Win,” and the featured song “GOAL!”, which is Derrick Howard’s favorite song. 

Howard, who is also in the third grade and played Coach in the production, said after starring in his first stage production, he’s ready to continue his acting career. 

Following the morning production of the play for students, teachers, faculty, and staff last Thursday morning, the actors put on a second performance for parents that evening.