For 121 Williams Lake youth, a chance to learn the game of soccer at a recent clinic was a welcome experience.
Bruce Baptiste, who co-ordinated the soccer camp through the Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society, said the camp was funded by the Aboriginal Sports, Recreation and Physical Activity Partners Council, and was geared toward First Nations youth.
He then added the expertise of members and coaches from the Williams Lake Youth Soccer Association to help run the camp, held in the Columneetza secondary gymnasium.
“The kids had a lot of fun,” Baptiste said. “The big thing, though, for some of them it was their introduction to soccer — especially for some of the little ones.”
“The head instructors were Brian Hansen, Rob Tazelaar and Sean Glanville.”
The camp was for kids aged four to 17.
The Saturday session, Baptiste said, was attended by 70 players. On Sunday, 50 more kids showed up to play.
“It was so successful Punky Lake will be co-ordinating it once again and there will be an outdoor camp for the next go round,” Baptiste said. “This one will run either late spring or early summer.”
Bapiste added he thinks it’s a great opportunity for anyone to learn the game.
“That’s what we’re looking to do here,” he said. “We’re looking to introduce kids to the game of soccer.”