The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The British Soccer Camp has been a success over the past two years and this season was no different. Last week, the camp had 40 registered athletes ranging in age from beginner to those in their early teens. David Green, camp coordinator, says the camp continues to be a popular summertime activity for local youth. The camp started three years ago when Challenger Sports was looking to develop soccer camps in Canada. After researching all the soccer clubs in Canada, the Phantom Lake Soccer Club was selected. Semi-professional coaches from the UK have visited the Creighton area for the last three summers. Last year, the numbers were the best in Manitoba, excluding Winnipeg, as 35 players registered. This year, with five more players than last year, the numbers continue to impress as the youth took to the Creighton Community Soccer Field. The British Soccer Camp is open to players looking to develop skills, improve their game and have fun. Green says the camp focuses on 'skill development and training as the main key.' It encourages fun as it features plenty of mini-games with variations of soccer. 'It breaks down for each age group what is needed,' said Green, noting that the younger athletes work on different skills and aspects of the game than the older athletes. The variations of the sport give the athletes a chance to still play soccer, but also learn new games and skills while using the soccer ball. 'So it's different than a regular season,' said Green. 'They aren't just playing soccer, and they are constantly moving.' Green himself had three children attending the camp this year. 'They love it,' he says. 'They think it's the best thing to do.' After three years of the camp being held in the Flin Flon area, Green says he doesn't foresee interest waning anytime soon. 'The kids who come always learn something new,' said Green. 'The coaches are at a professional level and are showing skills we wouldn't normally have access to.' The British Soccer Camp ran one week in July in the Creighton area before moving on to other parts Manitoba and Canada.
