DAHLONEGA, GA – The North Georgia men’s soccer team, under the direction of head coach Pat Parris, continues to make a difference in the community as the Saints traveled to a pair of local elementary schools over the last month to spend time with students.

The men’s soccer team started by taking part in the 4th annual National Reading Day at Lumpkin County Elementary School where the team traveled to the school in shifts, keeping players involved with the students throughout the day.

“It has become tradition for my team to take part in Read Across America,” head coach Pat Parris said following the event. “My team has taken the time to help the students at Lumpkin Elementary to understand the importance of reading and getting a great education.”

Following the reading day, the men’s soccer program also visited Sardis Enrichment School where Pat Parris and players Juan Hurtado, Mikki Bozickovic, and Ben Tayi took part in the “Go Pro Cluster at the Gainesville, Ga., school.

The cluster was designed for students who are interested in playing or being involved with professional sports. Parris spoke to the children on the importance of education and working hard to reach their goals.

“We understand that it will always be about the children in regards to making something of themselves and their families. It is also about the opportunity to show others the ability to inspire and to give back and invest in our great community.”

The men’s soccer team finished the 2009 season with a record of 5-11-1 overall and 1-6-1 in the Peach Belt Conference, entering the PBC Tournament as the #8 seed before falling 1-0 to top-seeded Flagler College in the opening round.