Local soccer fanatics spent the week in their cleats from August 9 to 13 under the direction of coaches that travelled all the way from the United Kingdom. 

One of those coaches, Ben Sword, said the opportunity was not only huge for the athletes, but the coaches as well. 

“I really wanted the chance to see Canada,” Sword said. The soccer player got that opportunity after applying to coach at a soccer camp through Challenger Sports. 

Challenger Sports ran several other camps in August, in Fort Saskatchewan, Lac LaBiche and around the world in the U.K., U.S., Australia and Canada. Sword, along with several other coaches were luckily offered the Canada region, and specifically Jasper. 

“We’re delighted to be given Jasper,” Sword said. 

The athletes involved in the camp are a variety of skill levels, from those who have never even kicked a ball before, to those who scored big at the Alberta soccer provincials this year. 

Sword said they integrate all the players into games, giving advanced athletes more complicated tasks. 

“We kind of set them more challenges,” he said. 

After the week, Sword said all the players should have improved greatly, “without a doubt,” he said. 

The university soccer player said Canada has a relatively short soccer season, and indoor winter soccer is rare. 

“Where I’m from you can play soccer all year round,” Sword said. 

The camp allows the athletes to be immersed in soccer for up to six hours a day for a week straight. 

“The week absolutely transforms them,” Sword said. “It’s awesome to have a camp like this.”

Spending the summer coaching for Challenger Sports is something many U.K. soccer players do, Sword said. 

“I love working with kids,” he said. “It’s such a buzz to see the kids who’ve never played before, and can barely kick a ball.”

When beginners leave, they can more than kick a ball. They also leave after a very fun week. The coaches do their best to keep the group entertained, whether they are playing games or taking a break for water.