Friday, August 24, 2018

CHALLENGER SPORTS SOCCER CAMPS

soccer camp review
My kids have spent this week participating in a CHALLENGER SPORTS soccer camp at a nearby neighborhood park.  These camps which take place around the country bring in talented college aged instructors from Europe and South America to teach soccer fundamentals to kids here in the USA. My son and daughter were bummed that their favorite soccer teams in this summer's World Cup competition lost, but were really excited that their coaches at this Challenger Sports soccer camp were from the countries they had been cheering on (Brazil and Britain).  In addition to getting some great tips on improving their soccer skills, the kids also spent a lot of time picking the brains of these two guys about life in the countries they call home. So while these coaches are helping kids develop soccer skills they are also serving as a cultural ambassadors getting camp participants interested in the broader world out there.

They used some goofy games to get kids interest in learning soccer skills. The kids really seemed more enthused in doing drills when they weren't taken too serious and made fun to do. By letting them be silly by doing things like having to wear a cone on their head really got the camps participants engaged in the activities.

soccer drills


Once the kids began getting into the flow of camp and bonding with the coaches, the drills became more advanced and serious.  Ball control, dribbling, defense, passing and shooting were all focused on along with the concept of being a team player and good sport.  There were lots of one-on-one instruction and skill development opportunities during the camp. Plus all the kids seemed to be having a really good time!

British Soccer


I noticed everyone getting a lot of personalized attention.  Both my son and daughter received hands on correction when they weren't doing something right or the way they were handling something could be improved upon. So the coaches were really paying attention to helping each child improve their skills instead of just going through the motions of running the camp.  The kids also received lots of praise and encouragement when they were doing things right.



Of course sometimes a student schools a teacher too. Like when my daughter scored a GOAL on one of the coaches when he really was trying to stop her shot.  She was so excited! Good natured moments like these are what make a camp experience special.

Soccer Camp

Goal


At the end of the camp, the coaches shared with each of the attendees what they personally excelled at and also the things that need to continue practicing on. Plus each camp participant also receives a handwritten report card from a coach to take home with them containing some tips to help them continue improving playing the game and a nice note about the week they had just spent together. My kids are always thrilled by these notes.  It is a really nice touch to wrap up the activities.

In addition to the camp's activities, registration also includes a soccer ball, camp t-shirt, and an app that highlights soccer training drills kids can do at home within your registration fee. When comparing the cost of this camp to other similar programs, you are essentially getting these items for FREE! Plus if you register for a camp 45 days or more before it begins, they also throw in a really nice Challenger Sports soccer jersey for just the cost of shipping and handling. My kids love these jerseys and wear them throughout the year not just at camp.

We've attended Challenger Sports soccer camps now for a few years and my kids were looking forward all summer long to going to this one taking place right before their break from school ends.  They weren't disappointed as they had a wonderful experience at this year's camp. These soccer camps really are an excellent opportunity for kids to be involved with.

Soccer Camp

For more information about Challenger Sports' British Soccer Camps or to find an upcoming one near you, please visit  www.challengersports.com.

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