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Health & Fitness

The British are Coming...To a Soccer Field Near You

British coaches come to Dundalk every summer to teach the fundamentals of soccer.

Never having a brother, my friend Chris Baxter is the closest that I will ever come to knowing the bond that brothers share. We have seen each other through failed marriages, remarriages, the birth of our children and the death of our parents.

Throughout my life I could always count on my friend to be my cheering section and encourage me the way that I have cheered and encouraged him. So, when Chris called me the other day, and asked if I would write an article about his soccer camp, how could I say no? However, I do not see myself as a reporter, as much as I see myself as a story teller… so here is the "article" that I was asked to write.

During the summer a group of dedicated soccer coaches, who are mostly on summer break from college, travel from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland to the United States to teach soccer to our children. Challenger Sports British Soccer camp started sending coaches to our area nine years ago.

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The program is opened to all children ages 3-18, of any skill level. The week-long program teaches the fundamentals and techniques of the game.

Richard Wheatland, who is part of a team of six coaches, is pursuing his Master’s degree in Sports Science. When asked why he comes to the United States to teach soccer, his answer was simple, “To see your country, and because I love the game of soccer. It is fun teaching the children.”

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 Chris Baxter has facilitated the Eastfield program for the last three years. Chris’s family has been involved with local Rec and Parks for many years. His brother Michael first introduced the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp at Middle River Recreation and Parks a number of years ago.

“I want to give the children the chance to develop their skills and to have the enjoyment of sports that I was taught when I was young," Chris said. "I take a week’s vacation every year at this time so that I can be here for the children and to make sure that the program runs smoothly. Every year we have more children join. It is my hope that next year we can also offer team camps as well as individual camps.”

The week comes to a close with a coaches-against-the-parents soccer game. The children’s favorite part of the week is the last day when the local fire station comes with the fire truck and hoses everyone down with the big water cannon.

For more information about the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp, the website: www.Challengersports.com or contact Chris Baxter at tlbaxter@comcast.net


Troy W. Pritt

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