Challenger British Soccer Camp

DIXFIELD -- Area soccer players will have an opportunity to test their skills and be exposed to different culture at the 11th annual Challenger British Soccer Camp.

The international event, for grades seven to 12, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon from June 20-24 at Harlow Park.

Each child will be coached by a member of Challenger’s British coaching staff flown to the USA exclusively to work on these programs. Challenger will hold over 2,000 British soccer camps this summer and will coach over 100,000 players between the ages of 4 and 18 and over 20,000 parents and coaches.

Several players from Jay will join Dirigo and Mountain Valley players utilized as a center piece for showing and sharing the countless strategies involved in the international game.

“I started hosting it to raise the level of skill,” said longtime Dirigo coach Art Chamberlin. “I felt that I was not being able to demonstrate all the drills and tendencies used in soccer. I wanted my players exposed to these things and hopefully use them in practices and games. It has worked perfectly.”

Although soccer is an international game, there are different styles being played throughout the world. The players in attendance will be exposed to new styles in the open air of the River Valley.

In addition to taking part in a daily regimen of foot skill development, technical and tactical practices and daily tournament style plays, each camper will also be treated to a rich cultural experience and lessons on respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship.

Chamberlain said the cost is very reasonable and the kids don't have to travel and sleep in a hot dorm room. After a scheduled secession, they still have the rest of their day to relax.

“Team wise we have gotten a better understanding of 'team play,'" said Chamberlin. “This includes learning how to work together both on offense and defense.”

Dirigo has been quite successful with a flat back line that was taught in the 2005 Challenger camp. The Cougars also use a rotating defense, in an attempt to cover each areas of the field, against a rushing offense.

Space is limited – parents are encouraged to sign up on line in advance to avoid disappointment. To sign up for the camp either, visit www.challengersports.com or contact Chamberlin at 357-1057 or archamberlin@rsu10.org. Each camper will receive a free camp t-shirt, soccer ball, giant soccer poster and an individual skills performance evaluation.