Staff Writer

editorial4@thomastontimes.com

During the past week, over 50 kids a day have participated in the first Upson-Lee youth soccer camp. The camp was held at the soccer fields behind the Civic Center, and was instructed by boys varsity Head Coach Matt Bentley and girls varsity Head Coach Jaime Joiner.

“We are extremely happy with the amount of kids who showed up here this week. We didn’t really know what to expect, but we couldn’t have asked for anything more,” says Bentley.

The camp lasted from 5-8 p.m. everyday this week. Boys and girls from the ages of 8-14 participated in learning the fundamentals of soccer. Kids moved from station to station learning the techniques of dribbling, passing, shooting, and heading.

“Our goal was to get kids in this community excited about soccer, and to help them prepare for their fall soccer leagues which start in August,” explained Bentley.

Not only did the kids at the camp learn the fundamentals of soccer, but they also were taught how incorporate the values of soccer in their everyday lives at school and with their friends. “We wanted to teach them the importance of good sportsmanship and how playing soccer can build character to help them in the future,” stated Bentley.

Helping these two coaches were a number of current and former players from the Upson-Lee squad. Former Upson-Lee standouts Nick English and Jarred Brown volunteered, along with college players, Mercer University senior Wynn Trice and former Shorter College player Will Bentley.

“We had a blast”, says Coach Joiner. “I am very happy with the amount of parents who have shown their support for their kids and our program. These boys and girls are the future of our Knights varsity teams.”