Deep in the heart of the valiant state of North Carolina, where the sky is as blue as a blueberry smoothie, and tall pine trees sway like giant broccoli, a unique breed of young warriors is emerging. These are not your typical knights or superheroes, no sir! They are the brave participants of the most popular game in the state- Soccer! Now, these young warriors don't fight dragons or trolls. Their battlefields are called soccer fields, green expanses of land that stretch as wide as Mr. Jumbo, the town's fattest raccoon. Their weapons are not swords or shields, but round, colorful balls that they kick with all their might, aiming for a net that is guarded by the bravest amongst them, the Goalie. Oh, and do you know their leader? His name is Sir Kick-a-lot, a cool imaginary character who is as tall as a giraffe but can run quicker than a cheetah. Sir Kick-a-lot has a really big belly, which, rumor has it, is filled with all the air from the soccer balls he has kicked. He possesses the unique ability to kick a soccer ball so hard it could zoom past a rocket! North Carolina's youngsters follow Sir Kick-a-Lot's noble example. Their laughter echoes off the Appalachian Mountains as they play, their faces painted with determination, and their hearts beating with the rhythm of the game. These kids live for the thrill of the chase, the joy of a well-aimed kick, and the glory of a goal. So, next time you're in the wonderful state of North Carolina, don't forget to catch a glimpse of these amazing soccer warriors in action!
Read morebest soccer programs in Hickory, NC
The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
The Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus is an incredible opportunity for children ages 8-18 to discover the joy of singing and learn about the choral art. It is an educationally based program that provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to explore their creativity and develop a lifelong appreciation of music. With the guidance of their experienced instructors, children form lasting relationships with others while learning healthy vocal technique, sight-reading, and music theory. As part of their program, the students have the opportunity to perform in various venues, such as churches, civic organizations, and concerts around the world.