Spreading out on the field and getting balls to teammates has been ingrained in the mind of Jaras Grant.
The youngster was among 64 kids aged five to 13 who participated in a Vancouver Whitecaps camp held at King’s park this week and wrapped up Friday.
Grant enjoyed the camp and feels he has improved.
“My passing,” responded Grant, when asked what he is better at.
Headed by Whitecaps technical programs manager Dave Broadhurst, there was an emphasis on the basics — ball control, passing and shooting.
“Hopefully players can take something away that they can practice,” said Broadhurst, who also coached the Okanagan FC to a Challege Cup championship in the Reserve Division of the Pacific Coast Soccer League. “When they do come back, their skills have improved just that little bit more.”
Monday began with a technique session and Broadhurst had the older group performing drills linked to ball familiarity. Drills were designed to maximize touches on the ball on different parts of the body. It also gives players confidence using both feet.
“Help them gain more control and coordination,” said Broadhurst. “It’s really important for an age group like under-14 players who are going through growth spurts.”
Josh Windley was impressed early with the camp as he learned more about ball handling and passing.
Brett Harrington signed up since he had not played much soccer during the summer.
“I wanted to get back into it,” he said. “It’s fun and all the coaches are nice and welcoming.”
In attendance the first day was former Whitecaps player and now ambassador Carl Valentine and future Whitecaps player Ben Fisk. Once the day concluded, players lined up to get their signatures on camp T-shirts and mini balls.
Fisk, who plays on the reserve team and has been called up and training with the Whitecaps, said it was nice to be around the kids.
“It’s nice to see the kids loving the game and working on their skills,” said Fisk, who tallied four goals in 16 games with the Whitecaps in the United Soccer League. “I remember when I was their age and I did some Whitecaps camps so I know how they feel. I know it’s a lot of fun for them and it’s great to come out and be a part of it.”
The camp now heads to Kamloops before returning to Vernon on Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. The first trip to Vernon attracted 129 players.
