The Philadelphia Soul came to visit Marlton residents on Friday, May 10.
The Arena Football League team held its second annual Town Takeover practice, giving residents a chance to play with members of the team at Willow Ridge Plaza. Families had the chance to eat, get face paintings, mingle and meet the athletes.
“Unlike maybe the other four major sports teams in our city, where everyone goes to them, we feel we need to come to the people,” said Ron Jaworski, Philadelphia Soul co-owner. “We want to come to their communities, their backyards, and interact with the communities in the Philadelphia area.”
Jaworski is a Medford resident and identified the need for residents in surrounding communities to experience a professional sport in a different manner.
“I think what’s great is the involvement with the kids. They’ll run some pass routes and catch passes from our quarterbacks,” Jaworski said.
The Soul are currently in the middle of their season, with their 10th game coming up on May 27.
According to head coach Clint Dolezel, the event was important due to players and coaches residing in South Jersey, in addition to holding practices in Voorhees.
“It’s great, we couldn’t have asked for a better day,” Dolezel said. “We got a great turnout.”
The Soul are a unique team, playing a unique style of a traditional sport.
Arena football is played differently than conventional football, with high scoring and non-stop action, according to Dolezel.
“There’s a lot of points, and, even when there’s a timeout, there’s always entertainment going on,” Dolezel said.
Mayor Randy Brown, recent Super Bowl XLVII winning kicking coach for the Baltimore Ravens, attended the event.
“It was such a hit last year, we figured let’s do it again this year,” Brown said. “For me, the most important thing here is being mayor and not football coach.”
The Marlton Recreation Council, Evesham Celebrations Foundation and the township coordinated the event.
“My favorite part is when the kids are able to go and interact with the players. They’re able to go out there and catch some passes,” Brown said.
He emphasized the importance of the event to show residents they’re important.
Numerous events are being held in Evesham seasonally, from the Soul Town Takeover to the Fourth of July celebration, he said.
“Fourth of July takes almost a full year of planning,” Brown said. It includes the mayor’s 5k and the bike parade, skydivers and fireworks.
The township will be holding a Memorial Day service on May 24 at 10 a.m. at the Evesham Township Municipal Building, located at 984 Tuckerton Road.
“The number of community events we do all the time makes them want to live in town and brag about living in town,” Brown said. “It’s a great place to live.”
To learn about more events in the community, visit www.twp.evesham.nj.us.
