They are calling it the "Summer of Soccer" and here is another reason why that statement holds true. Some of the most talented British soccer minds and coaches are coming to Turlock to help mold the next generation.
Challenger Sports, the largest soccer camp provider in the USA and Canada, is teaming up with Turlock Youth Soccer Association to host a week long soccer camp during the weeks of June 20-24 and Aug. 1-5 at the Turlock Regional Soccer Complex.
Continuing over 20 years of success as the most popular soccer camp in the United States and Canada, Challenger will be holding one of their highly regarded "British Soccer Camps" right here in the growing soccer community of Turlock.
With an innovative camp curriculum developed from the country that invented the sport, and with a team of coaches who grew up eating, drinking and breathing soccer, Challenger Sports is offering young players an up close and personal opportunity to experience the sport closest to Britain's heart.
The camp will run Monday through Friday and each child will be coached by a member of the elite team of 1,200 British soccer coaches, hand selected, trained and flown to the USA exclusively, to work on these programs.
Challenger Sports will look to hold over 4,000 soccer programs this year and coach over 225,000 players between the ages of 3 and 19.
Challenger's mission is to provide all children with an opportunity to learn, grow and share a positive and educational camp experience, which not only develops success on the field, but also inspires confidence, happiness and builds self esteem.
The program feels that the key to any memorable childhood experience is fun.
Challenger's unique 1,000 touches coaching syllabus provides innovative daily regimen of foot skills, moves, juggling, tactical practices and daily tournament play which will enhance technical skill - however, it's not just about the game.
Challenger Sports uses soccer to teach respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship.
Then there's the ever popular Camp World Cup, bringing both friendly competition and cultural variety to each day. The daily tournament gives campers the chance to represent a world cup team, with extra points being awarded for them making up chants, wearing the team colors of their chosen country, creating flags, and learning as much as they can about their chosen countries culture.
Turlock YSA is offering "British Soccer Camp" sessions for the following ages:
• Ages 3-5: First Kicks 8-8:55 a.m., $65
• Ages 5-14: Half Day Camp 9-12 a.m., $90
• Ages 7-14: Golden Goal Camp, 12:30-2:30 p.m. $40
The Golden Goal Camp runs from Monday-Thursday and is only available for players registered for the Half Day Camp.
Teams are also welcome to attend and receive a week of focused instruction to prepare them for the fall and winter seasons. Team camp rates are available.
Space is limited and parents are encouraged to sign up online in advance to avoid disappointment. To register and for more information, go to www.challengersports.com.
