British Soccer Camp set for July

By Andy Brown

Published: June 16, 2008

The Eufaula Parks and Recreation Department will once again sponsor a five-day soccer camp delivered by British Soccer Camp, the largest provider of soccer camps in the United States and Canada.  The camp is scheduled for July 21-25.

It’s the 11th year the department has sponsored the camp, and Recreation Coordinator Wayne Baker is thrilled the department is hosting the camp again this year.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “We’ve been having these camps for (11) years and I believe they have been very successful. We haven’t necessarily had huge numbers (of participants), but if you take into account what these kids learn about the game of soccer, I’d say this is one of the most successful camps around.”

Nineteen area youth attended last summer’s camp, which was led by former Ryman League professional Craig James.

Baker and Camp Director Trish Thorne are expecting at least that many campers this summer due in part to the increased interest in soccer in the area.

“I think the interest in the game is really growing,” Thorne said. “Soccer is a great alternative to football. Football is a game that is so deeply rooted here in the Southeast and soccer offers girls who don’t have the chance to play football or guys who don’t want to participate in football an alternative. They can still get out and run around and play a rough and tumble game. I think it’s starting to catch on here.”

Thorne believes the British Soccer Camp can provide a nearly perfect introduction to the game for children interested in getting started in organized soccer.

“Last year we had a lot of junior players attend the camp that were just starting out in soccer or had just completed their first soccer season with the recreation department, and I thought that was great,” she said. “This camp is so great because the coaches are phenomenal. They do such a good job of pinpointing where the kids stand as far as their knowledge of the game and skill, and really tailoring the camp experience so that each camper gets the most out of the week.”

Baker has also been impressed with the level of instruction he’s seen at the camp in the past.

“I think one of the things that really stands out about the camp is the level of professionalism the coaches have,” he said. “They make the camp fun for the kids, but they also really know the game of soccer and do a great job of teaching it. They’re enthusiastic and I’ve really been impressed with the way they teach the game to these kids.”

The British Soccer Camp emphasizes individual skill development and fundamental tactical awareness through participation, progressive practices and small-sided games. 

The camp will be divided into a morning session for players ages 5-9 and an evening session for players ages 10-16.

The morning session will begin at 8 a.m. and will last three hours. The evening session will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will also last three hours.

The cost for attending the camp is $100. 

For more information about the camp, contact the Eufaula Parks and Recreation Department at (334) 687-1213 or log on to http://www.challengersports.com.