Harker Heights Summit Soccer Complex was busy during spring break with children attending Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp. For five days with three hour sessions attendees had the chance to hear British accents from coaches from “across the pond” as they learned and practiced soccer fundamentals.

“You can learn a lot of stuff here, like tricks,” said Haley Byrd, age 8, Harker Heights resident.

The British Soccer Camp brings in coaches from England to teach children soccer. The coaches have the chance to learn as well as they stay at American homes with host families.

“The kids are having fun. They are learning tricks, shooting, dribbling, passing, drag back turns, toe taps, shielding and juggling,” commented Luke Vince-Holt, Coach, Challenger Sports. “I did this same camp last year. It is great to see players come back improved.”

Vince-Holt is from Machynlleth, Wales and is the Texas Region Challenger Coach. Vince-Holt will travel all around Texas and Oklahoma teaching soccer during his stay in the United States.

“I play a whole bunch of soccer,” said Christian Bolle, age 9, Harker Heights resident. “But, this is the best soccer camp I have ever been to.”

Attendees at the camp stayed busy during their entire sessions of camp. In between kicking and passing they would get the chance to drink water and were back at it again.

“My daughter (Mikayla Tipton) is on the JV team at Harker Heights High School. She just started playing soccer last year at Union Grove Middle School,” commented Maxine Tipton. “She just really got better during camp last year at soccer. She has really just discovered this is her sport. She has learned a lot of skills and techniques here.”

Many parents stayed and watched their kids play and learn. Parents set up chairs, cheered their kids on and socialized with other parents. Many parents said this was a great camp and well worth the money.

“He really likes it he is doing better. This is his first year playing soccer for the city. He is adding to his current skills set he already has,” remarked Krisan Valenzuela, Harker Heights resident. “They get good one-on-one and they learn from their peers too.”

The attendees had a chance to scrimmage against each other each day after their soccer lessons. The scrimmages gave them a chance to see their new skills in action and what they need to improve.

“It’s amazing!” Commented Kadori Garner, age 9, Harker Heights resident.

Attendees not only learned from the coaches, but from each other as well. Attendees also helped fellow campers with skills and techniques.

“My daughter likes helping the younger kids get their goals and scoring. She really likes helping the younger kids. She did the full day camp last year,” said Tipton.