Editor’s Note: Click HERE to enter to win a week at Arsenal Soccer School this summer!
Do you have a young soccer fanatic in the family? Your player could be among the first youth players to train with a prestigious world class soccer club right here in New York City. Beginning this summer, Arsenal, the 13-time British league winners, will offer week-long Arsenal Soccer School camps on Randall’s Island for kids ages 7-17 (June 16-20 and June 30-July 4). The camps provide a unique chance to “learn-to-play-the-Arsenal-way,” with coaching led by professional coaches from the Arsenal soccer schools in England, and training based on the coaching philosophies used by coaches and managers at their London training center.
With student athletics growing more competitive, camps offering training by professionals have become increasingly popular. “It helps give kids an edge. It’s a benefit for them to see how hard professional athletes have to train and the skill and dedication required,” says David Evans, president of Summerfuel, the student educational and travel program that has partnered with Arsenal to bring their soccer schools to the U.S.
The opportunity for kids to train with pro coaches, while competing with other players at their own level, is a great way for players to bring new and advanced skills back to their home teams and leagues. The comprehensive training camps include drills, skills sessions, strength and agility training, and competitive play. Participants get an official “Arsenal” camp uniform and soccer ball. “It gives us tremendous satisfaction watching the kids learn and grow their skills and confidence,” explains Arsenal soccer schools manager Ross Metherell. With a growing U.S. fan-base for world class soccer, maybe some of these kids will be headed to play at the World Cup one day!
For more information, visit playthearsenalwayusa.com.
