directed by UK International Soccer Camps. Come the end of a successful and fun week, it wasn’t the kids that were seen enjoying the sport of soccer… it was the adults.
Annually at the end of the youth camp, the British coaches along with some American recruits compete in a fun, yet competitive, game against Clearfield adult players, ranging from recent high school grads, to long time participants of the game. This year 29 athletes competed, with the Clearfield team winning the game 2-0.
“We have all grown up around the game and have seen how many languages the game can speak,” said Thomas Ovenden, UKISC regional director. “We want to impact young players, both as players, but also as people.”
The atmosphere was intense yet lighthearted throughout the afternoon. “It’s always a great competitive environment, that we hope both the children and adults enjoy,” said Todd Trinidad, Clearfield Soccer Association Vice President. “Soccer is a
sport that embraces lifelong participation, and we hope the children see that when watching games like this one.”
Both British and American players agreed that friendly competition can truly help grow the Clearfield program and community.
“We want to develop the Clearfield area,” said Ovenden. “There are good players out there, we just need to make sure that we bring them together, games like this one show young players what you can achieve. Bringing older players that have played at or been to college inspires children to want to be in their shoes and that’s what this game is all about.”