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Challenger Soccer Camp Concludes Run
Camp 1
Challenger Soccer Camp was held at the Riverbank Sports Complex last week where students learned the fundamentals of soccer. VIRGINIA STILL/THE NEWS

There was a bit of a British invasion recently at the Riverbank Sports Complex with Coach Harvie Millier from Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp teaching a few students the game of soccer. The week long camp had four students participate between the ages of six and nine years old.

Millier has been with Challenger British Soccer Camps for two years and he is from a town in England called St Neots.

The skies were cloudy and the cool breezes made for good conditions to improve soccer skills. Some of the things the students learned were ball mastery, dribbling techniques, passing techniques, and how to finish.

“I also taught them about the game of soccer itself,” added Millier. “It really is an intensive class. I love what I do. I actually came out here last year.”

The City of Riverbank’s Parks and Recreation Department has offered the camp to interested youth for the past few years.

The coach gave the students a challenge of using the inside of their leg to kick the ball counting each time until it dropped to the ground. The youngsters would drop the ball sometimes after kicking it once and quickly grab it to try to go further than just one time.

Challenger Sports has been in business for over 25 years and have created different programs to fit different needs. According to the website www.challengersports.com, they are owned and operated by some of the most experienced soccer people in the country. Their mission is to positively impact the lives of children throughout North America and ignite a passion for sports in all children.

The students that participate not only learn how to play soccer but they also learn teamwork and improve their motor skills.

“Soccer is the world’s game for the world’s people,” stated Millier.

The City of Riverbank will be holding more camps throughout the summer like Outdoor Adventure Camp from June 26 to 30 and Basketball Camp from July 17 to 21.

For more information, visit www.riverbank.org.