Sporting Club Jacksonville is bringing fans closer to the action with an exclusive open practice session for the First Coast’s youth soccer community. Presented by Ascension St. Vincent’s, this free, family-friendly event will be held on Thursday, August 7, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Park, located at 1332 Veterans Pkwy. in St. Johns, FL.

Youth soccer players, coaches and families from across Northeast Florida are invited to get an up-close look at the club’s professional training, meet the players, collect autographs and take memorable photos with Sporting JAX players. The event follows recent cancellations of Sporting JAX’s highly anticipated preseason matches against Hibernian FC last Saturday due to severe weather, and another against Wrexham AFC Women this Sunday because Wrexham’s squad injuries prevented the Welsh team from traveling to Florida.

“We know how much our fans were looking forward to seeing us face Hibernian and Wrexham,” said Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam. “That’s why we wanted to do something special for the community, to give our incredible supporters a behind-the-scenes look at how we prepare and to thank them for their passion for the team.”

Sporting JAX will make its official debut in the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, with its home opener against DC Power FC on Saturday, August 23, at 7 p.m. at Hodges Stadium. All regular-season and playoff matches will stream live on Peacock.