Challenger Sports coaches travelled to Powell River last week to conduct a five-day soccer skills camp at Larry Gouthro Park.
Sponsored by Powell River Recreation Complex, the camp attracted boys and girls from beginners to more seasoned players.
“With this being the second year,” said Patti Coburn, recreation program coordinator, “I was able to see that it is a system of the coaching style named 1,000 Touches that is so successful.”
Last year all the coaches were males from England and this year there was one female from Wales as well as four English males including head coach Jamie Harrison who now resides in Ontario.
Players from age four through 18 attended sessions from one hour for the youngest, to half-day or full-day for others. A total of 86 registered, 10 more than last year.
“Feedback from parents indicated that they were happy with the coaching and positive praise received,” Coburn said. “At the end, all the players received a report card to take home.”
Players were divided into four groups and learned a different skill every day: dribbling, passing, shooting, heading and volleying. Groups were also divided into teams named for countries throughout the world. They were encouraged to wear the team colours each day. Those teams played mini-World Cup games against each other. On flag day, players were invited to draw the flags of the countries they represented and the best were chosen for special recognition. On Wacky Wednesday, players were encouraged to dress outrageously.
“I found that the coaches were very good about working to the various skill levels of each player,” said Coburn. “Everyone seemed to respond enthusiastically when asked each day if they had become better at some part of their game.”
Challenger Sports has over 1,000 coaches travel around North America sharing in what has been described as an innovative approach to coaching youth soccer.
