#Fuel-for-Performance: As most know, Lawrence struggles with high rates of childhood obesity and because of that it’s important that our players, in addition to gaining soccer skills, learn the value of a balanced diet . In the past, our 6-wk cooking courses were only reaching a small percentage of players, but with our growing health and wellness partnerships, like New Balance Foundation and MA Medical Society & Alliance Charitable Foundation , we started connecting all our travel players to seasonal, 1-day FFP classes in our HealthKicks kitchen. These classes, led by Health & Wellness Director, Lindsey McArdle , are designed to improve kids’ nutritional literacy. It incorporates partner, Boston Children’s FitKit messaging, which identifies low and high glycemic carbs, and to make it fun, applicable and hands-on, a pre or post game meal or snack is always made. Lindsey also hosted a special holiday class where she taught players how to make a healthy apple dish ( recipe here )! We’re getting healthier, through #teamwork!