Joey Payeur
There will be a “Chill” in the air next month—and it’s going to happen indoors.
Fort Frances Youth Soccer will host the Thunder Bay Chill Youth Development Kickstart Satellite Camp in its return for its second year on April 11 at Fort High.
The camp is open to players up to age 16 and will be run in two sessions, with the younger age groups participating from 10 a.m.-noon and the older ones from noon-2 p.m.
“Last year was the first year and it was a great success,” noted Borderland Soccer League president Sarah Faragher, who also volunteers with Fort Frances Youth Soccer.
“Players enjoyed the sessions and the coaching was top-notch.
“We hope to get even more numbers this year,” Faragher added.
“We have access to both high school gyms for the sessions, so we have more space than last year, too, and we welcome all interested players to come out.”
Faragher said the Kickstart Satellite Camps are put on by the Chill to promote the sport across Northwestern Ontario.
This year’s camp returns to Fort Frances, Kenora, and Dryden while Atikokan and Ignace have been added to the itinerary.
Faragher emphasized the benefits are numerous for young players who take part in the camp.
“It’s a great way to prepare for the upcoming spring soccer season by focusing on skills, drills, small-sided games, and scrimmages,” she remarked.
“Players receive guidance and feedback from certified coaches and professional players from a variety of countries, creating an authentic soccer experience,” she continued.
“Players have the opportunity to try new drills and get tips on proper technique, and local players are often impressed by the skills of the young professional players who run the sessions.
“It’s a cool experience for kids to see players of that calibre,” said Faragher, who considers the camp a key building block for young players looking to better themselves on the field.
“These camps are vital to the development of young players not only because they provide kids the opportunity to work on their soccer-specific skills but also, and maybe more importantly, because it inspires them to participate or excel at soccer by interacting with professional players,” she explained.
“Athletes in Fort often have access to hockey games, leagues, camps, and players of high calibre, but seldom are professional soccer players in town to learn from in this type of small-group environment.”
The instructors will be a mix of coaches from the Chill club program, as well as full-time players from the Thunder Bay Professional Development League.
“The level of knowledge, skill, and experience of these coaches is phenomenal and we are fortunate to have them run sessions with local players,” said Faragher.
“Last year, the four coaches came from three different countries, providing an international flair that suitably represents a sport like soccer.
“Their soccer excellence was matched with a motivating and positive coaching style,” she added.
“Coaches often provided positive feedback and one-on-one time instruction to players throughout the sessions.”
Those interested in the camp are asked to pay the $35 registration fee online at www.thunderbaychill.com
The fee includes the two-hour session, plus an official T-shirt.
The registration deadline is this Sunday (March 29).
Any questions can be e-mailed to www.tbchill@tbaytel.net
Registrants will be e-mailed with specific times for each of the two sessions, based on their age.
