Windham’s Eagle Soccer Camp welcomed athletes of all skill levels from grades kindergarten through eighth grade for a second consecutive year. Campers are taught the skills of the game by Windham High School’s girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams as well as Windham High graduates with the week-long camp held at Windham High School from July 15 to July 19.
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| Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski showcases her footwork at the second Eagle Soccer Camp run by Windham's varsity girls' and boy's soccer teams held at Windham High School on July 17. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
“You got ... alumni that’s back – I’m an alumnus and it’s great coming back,” said Windham varsity girls’ assistant coach Jim Stewart. “I think it’s a dream as a parent and a player in Windham to see this community come together and offer a camp for kids to come together and have fun. Soccer is a bit of a mechanism for community. We’re all together, we’re all having fun, we’re all enjoying our time together.”
Windham’s Eagle Soccer Camp teaches its participants about the game in a low-pressure environment with high success. The participants learn about Windham soccer and are given the skills to apply and succeed within the varsity program. Each day they are taught a move and the more moves they know the greater the chances for them to succeed.
“I’ve taught the kids my love for the game, and I just want to show them how much I love it and want them to enjoy it as much as I do,” said Windham senior and Eagle Soccer Camp eighth grade counselor Luke Cunniffe. “The kid’s energy is infectious, throughout the whole week so far – when I’m tired, they still have energy, so I got to keep up with them. It’s meeting and getting to know the high school coaches a year before they could potentially play for them. And meet some of their future teammates; it allows them to see what the program is before they get there so that’s something to look forward to when they get to high school.”
The counselors cultivate relationships and a connection with the kids. During the season, camp participants have fun cheering at the varsity games and those connections that are made last a long time.
“Summertime for me, as long as I can remember, has always been soccer camp when I was a kid,” said Eagle Soccer Camp organizer and Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “I remember how instructive, how fun, how much of a character-building moment that all was – great memories. Not only is it about trying to provide young players at every level an opportunity to learn more about the game, and have it be educational and technical ... but I want the program to be strong and the kids coming through to play the game the right way. The kids are making memories, they’re having fun, and they are being active and in the moment. You are also helping build the next generation of coaches.”
For Neal, seeing his players interacting and teaching camp members who are learning from one another puts a huge smile on his face. It's huge for Neal to have the younger kids show up at a high school game and root for players they are familiar with and look up to. He also wants the high school players to know they have a responsibility and set a good example for the younger players.
“I think it’s good to build up the youth; when we’re here it gives them someone to look up to – I just really wanted to be a part of that this year,” said Windham sophomore and counselor Mackenzie Delewski. “I think they’ve learned sportsmanship and how to work with others. The camp as a whole shows how we are all working together to make soccer better – they’re working to get better and we’re working to help them.”
Windham fourth grader Sammy Stubbert has had fun and has become a better soccer player through learning moves. It’s good interacting with the varsity players and he plans to cheer for them during their games. The moves he’s learned will help him on the soccer field.
“I had a lot of fun last year and got better on skill work,” said Windham eighth grader Carly Franzoni. “I love being with the coaches and counselors. They are really nice and it’s helpful – they teach you a lot of stuff.” <
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