CAMPS
U6-U8 Kickstarter Camp
Kickstarter Camp (U6-U8 players born 2015-2017)
Hey players! Do you want to make new friends, build your soccer skills, and play in a mini-World Cup tournament? If so, our Kickstarter Camp is the place for you!
This five-day camp is aimed at players who are new to the sport and want to improve their fundamental skills. The Kickstarter Camp runs 9:00 - 11:00 am daily and is comprised of four game-based and skill building activities, two skill challenges that are focused on through the week, and a mini-World Cup style tournament for the last hour each camp day. The fifth and final day will feature only the four stations and an extended mini-World Cup tournament. Players will be matched (as much as possible) with other players of similar strength.
The game-based and skill building curriculum is created by Sherwood Park District Soccer Association (SPDSA) Technical Director Bart Choufour. Bart has a National A coaching license and 16 years of experience with Vancouver Whitecaps FC in various roles, including Technical Director Academy Centres and Prospects Camp Head Coach.
The camp will also be led by SPDSA technical staff that may include:
Lars Hirschfeld
Director of Goalkeeping. Lars has had a 21-year professional career, taking him to Norway, Leicester City, and Tottenham Hotspur and, is the former Canada Men's National Team Goalkeeper from 2000-2013. Lars has National B, UEFA B, UEFA A and National Goalkeeping A licenses.
Bernie Soto
SPDSA Phoenix Grassroots Boys Director. Bernie is a former UofA player and FCB Escola (Barcelona FC) Academy Coach. Bernie's credentials also include a COER Youth Diploma, National Youth License, National Youth Goalkeeper License, MEd. - Leadership, BSc., and BEd.
Payton Ross
SPDSA Phoenix Grassroots Girls Director. Payton is a NCAA Division 1 varsity player who grew through our Phoenix program. She is also the head coach of the Alberta Summer Games Girl's team for 2023. Payton has a BKin. Focusing in exercise science with a minor in nutrition and has her National Youth License.
Dhee Govender
SPDSA Phoenix Director U13-17 Girls. Dhee has his National B license and is also the head coach of the NAIT Women's Soccer Team.
Vikram Kaushal
SPDSA Phoenix Director U13-17 Boys. Vikram is one of the new members of the SPDSA technical staff. Vikram has experience as a former FC Edmonton technical staff, as the head of Alberta Soccer's Regional Excel (REX) Program and has his C license.
Thiago Silva
SPDSA Director of Soccer Innovation and Creativity. Thiago is another of the new members of the SPDSA technical team. Thiago was a former professional player in his native country of Brazil before coming to North America on scholarship. Thiago has had experience coaching in Edmonton and Calgary and joins us as the former FC Edmonton Manager of Partnership and Fan Engagement. Thiago has his C license and a Masters in Football Business.
Josh Pynten
SPDSA Community Soccer Director. Josh is another of the new members of the SPDSA technical team, coming from a nursing background as an RN, and experience coaching Grassroots Programs in Calgary's CMSA. Josh has his C license.
Support staff will include SPDSA technical and junior coaches.
Age: U6-U8 Boys and Girls
Cost: $149
Location: Millennium Place Outdoor Fields
Dates:
Camp 1: July 10-14
Camp 2: August 14-18
Times: 9:00 - 11:00 am daily
Required Equipment:
- Shinpads
- Proper footwear (running shoes or cleats are acceptable)
- Bring a snack and ample fluids.
- Dress for the weather (we encourage players to bring hats, sunscreen, bug spray and rain jackets).
