Under the blazing hot sun and temperatures that hovered around and above the 100-degree mark, a number of kids participated in a British Soccer Camp at Posse Grounds Park from June 12 to June 16.
Coaches Glen Strachan, of Dundee, Scotland, and Alex Day, of Ipswich, England, led the camp that featured half-day and full-day participants.
The main difference between the half- and full-day participants, according to Strachan, was that the full-day campers had a bit more advanced ability.
The group of 12 half-day campers ranged in age from 9 to 12 years old, with a few less full-day participants, who were 10 or older.
Every day of the camp revolved around a certain skill, such as dribbling, passing or shooting. The more advanced group would work on things like juggling or tactics, too.
The campers were divided into groups, each representing a different country from around the world. Throughout the week they learned facts about their country and earned points toward a World Cup competition. Germany came out on top.
“Above all we want them to enjoy the experience,” Strachan said. “As a coach we want to see them take these skills with them.”
Because of the sizzling temperatures, water and snack breaks were often. Day had never been to the United States until just a few days prior to the camp’s start.
“It’s been good; the kids have been great,” Day said. “The weather is unbelievable. It’s completely different to England.”
