Summer camp teaches football skills

It may not be the biggest of Belize’s many summer programmes for kids, but the children who assembled this week at the M.C.C. Grounds were not short-changed on fun.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

They may aspire to become star players like Vallan Symms, Charlie Slusher or Norman “Tilliman” Nunez, but for the moment these children between the ages of eight and twelve are learning the basics. And that includes conflict resolution, as we were not on the football field more than thirty minutes when a little incident broke out that made us realise these kids may be ready for semi-pro soon than we thought.

With the squabble quickly settled, it was back to the coaching session.

The summer football camp was the first organized by former Berger 404 player Wilhelm White. White says he expected more children to participate in the camp, but he is still pleased that the sixteen boys and girls who did take part were highly enthusiastic.

Wilhelm White, Coordinator, Summer Football Camp

“Very good because some of them came here and they didn’t even know anything about football. Right now I can see they have improved a lot…They learn how to control football, they learn how to kill it, and pass.”

Besides learning football, the children were also encouraged to stay in school and get the education they will need to succeed. It is not certain just how many of the children will seriously consider playing organized football, but from the dedication shown at the five day camp, we may very well be hear about them in the future editions of Sports Monday. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.

On Friday the children who attended the summer football camp will receive certificates for their attendance. White says he intends to make the camp an annual event.