At the first FA Soccer Camp at Capoons Bay this week, ending today July 24, 2015, dozens of young players, both boys and girls, have been put through their paces by the English coaches, Jordan Johnson, Charlene Chapman, Ben Chapman and Nicola Doig, all under the watchful eyes of BVIFA Technical Director, Kate Rowson. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Also working the camp are several prospective local coaches. This will be the starting point to building the BVIFA’s local workforce. 'One of the priorities of the camp was to inspire and grow the workforce, so there are people here in the first week of coaching who have been awesome and are being mentored by the UK Coaches,' noted coach Kate Rowson. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Two participants of the football camp. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

From warming up using the FIFA 11 programme, which is proven to reduce injury, to testing their agility, ball skills and passing ability against the Coaches and each other, all of the camp’s participants have spent the week with a broad smile on their faces and have also shown marked improvement. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

One of the English coaches in action. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The second camp at Capoons Bay has been restructured to focus more on team training, including tactics, positions and formations. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

From warming-up using the FIFA 11 programme, which is proven to reduce injury, to testing their agility, ball skills and passing ability against the coaches and each other, all of the camp’s participants have spent the week with a broad smile on their faces and have also shown marked improvement.

“I’m really pleased with the camp so far- in terms of registration. We have nearly 50 split across the morning and afternoon sessions and it’s going really well- a great start,” commented Rowson.

“I have got a lot of positive feedback as to how the children have bonded with the English coaches we brought in. Parents have been picking up the phone and letting me know how their kids have reacted to them, which is testament not only to their character, but also to the fact that they are all full time teachers and qualified coaches and they are used to working with kids day in and day out. It’s also great the kids are getting to hear different voices apart from mine and the FA’s Full Time Staff, myself, Avon, Cass and “Manly” (Thomas Albert).”

Building the BVIFA’s workforce

Also working the camp are several prospective local coaches, which will be the starting point to building the BVIFA’s local workforce.

“One of the priorities of the camp was to inspire and grow the workforce, so there are people here in the first week of coaching who have been awesome and are being mentored by the UK coaches. So far so good and it’s very pleasing to see them be as inspired as the kids.”

The first camp concludes on Friday afternoon, July 24, 2015 at Capoons Bay and has focused mainly on individual techniques and skills, featuring one-on-one drills, fitness, agility and games. However, some changes will now be taking place for the second camp, which was scheduled for Greenland, but will now be a more progressive camp based, again, at Capoons Bay.

Upcoming tournaments

“I’m really excited about next week. We have now got two tournaments coming up in the near future and we are going to use the guys from the camps to select. I would have liked more time, but we are going to deal with what we have and an Under 15 Boys squad will be selected to compete in the Caribbean Football Union Tournament from the 6^th August in St Maarten. We also are bringing back the Under 15 Girls who went to Cayman last year to form a squad to play in the U17 World Cup Qualifiers in St Kitts at the end of August.”

The second camp at Capoons Bay has been restructured to focus more on team training, including tactics, positions and formations.

The participants will be split into U9’s, U11’s, U13’s and U15’s with each group working with the English coaches and assistants to prepare for a more competitive environment.

Beginners and younger players will also be catered for, with U5, U6 and U7’s learning the game and working on technical ability.

The new camp, for week two, July 27 to 31, 2015 at Capoons Bay will run from 9am until 3pm, with the younger ones finishing at 12 noon. The cost will remain at $30 for the week and those staying for the day will need to bring lunch, snacks, water bottles (refills available), sun screen, hats, shin guards, boots and be ready to experience some intense training with the likes of Charlene, Ben, Jordan and Nicola.

Local coaches will also be involved, working with the younger children, which will be a great experience for both.