The Upper Island Riptide held its second annual pre-season training in Campbell River on the weekend.
There were more than 90 kids getting ready to begin the season with their best foot forward.
The Sportsplex in Campbell River was the venue that couldn’t have been any better. The weather, field, and atmosphere from the players and coaches was nothing less than exceptional.
The players had two full days of training and lecturing from coaches. Riptide goalkeepers enjoyed working with Michael Girard, a Riptide graduate employed as a full-time goalkeeper coach with the Port Moody Soccer Club. Girard had keepers from all age groups running drills from start to finish – a great addition to the pre-season.
Although it was not all work on the field, players had time to bond with new teammates off the field by enjoying games and exercises. Some of the players enjoyed an ice bath in the ocean.
The Riptide has been working on a preseason training camp model for several years, and will continue to build on this exceptional opportunity.
“The opportunity to blend the teams, age groups, coaches and goalkeeper program at this lovely facility was brilliant,” technical director Shel Brodsgaard said. “It was very exciting to reconnect with familiar faces, meet some new faces and establish the momentum required for the initial phase of our program development.”
