There’s usually a lot of different games being played at a casino — slots, video poker and more. Soccer with a former English Premier League player is not normally one of them.
It was, however, on Thursday, July 19 when Ian Taylor, a former star with Aston Villa, and two of the team’s current coaches turned the floor of Resorts World Casino New York City into a soccer field and taught some 30 kids from the South Queens Boys and Girls Club some moves.
In two separate groups the kids learned fundamentals of soccer such as dribbling, passing and corner kicks.
“It is an absolute privilege for Aston Villa Football Club to come to New York City as part of our US tour and work with our main club sponsor Genting at Resorts World Casino New York City,” said Taylor, who played nine seasons with the football club. “Aston Villa and Genting share the ethos of making a difference in the community and from visits we have made in Birmingham [England] and Hong Kong we have seen the great work Genting does. That is again demonstrated today and we are thrilled to work with Resorts World Casino New York City and give a special experience to children from the South Queens Boys and Girls Club.”
This is just one stop Aston Villa is making as the club carries out preseason activities, including stops in Chicago and Philadelphia.
Michael Speller, president of Resorts World, said the children taking part would cherish this event.
“There is no better way to welcome Aston Villa Football Club to the United States than to have them visit Resorts World Casino New York for a one-of-a-kind experience with the children of Queens,” Speller said. “Resorts World is always looking to give back to our neighbors, and today’s event with Aston Villa is one that the children of the South Queens Boys and Girls Club won’t soon forget.”
