Years ago while watching a U21 soccer game with a close friend, colleague and soccer educator I noticed there were two goalkeepers working together at the halfway line (which was especially odd). When goalkeepers warm-up for a game they generally stick to their own goal and warm-up with their team in their own end of the field. Not on this day, what I noticed was in fact both goalkeepers involved in the game actually warming up each other. Really? Preparing to do battle for the elusive 3-points for the win and they are warming each other up? This does not make any sense. As we discussed how great this was and looked deeper into the meaning behind this the story came out as follows:
- the two goalkeepers were now 18 years of age playing at the U21 level
- the two goalkeepers had met at a training camp for goalkeepers at the age of 11 years and had trained together in this program for 6 years
- the two goalkeepers attended a school soccer academy in addition to the goalkeeper development program from grades 9-12
- the two goalkeepers had never played on the same team, in youth soccer, school soccer and now U21 soccer
Importantly, as the two goalkeepers continued to warm-up one another and while I was speaking to my colleague who had been working with them since the age of 11 he quickly stated that this was a common practice for the keepers in the community who had participated in the goalkeeper development program which tied them together. Which got me to thinking, you know, I recall a similar situation years prior that was shared with me. Some time ago there was a group of teenagers who shared a common passion. They were committed to training, working hard and learning. When this crew came together in a similar fashion as to the two goalkeepers mentioned above at the age of 10-11 years, there was instant chemistry. This chemistry stayed with the core of the group into their eventual departure from youth soccer and eventually gave away to post-secondary education which took them to separate geographical locations. While this group of talented young goalkeepers were growing up together, around the age of 15-16 years they started showing up at each other's game to warm each other up prior to the start of the game. Not playing against one another, but helping each other. This same talented and aware group of individuals went on to become legendary at the residential camps we run each summer on Denman Island. Mentoring the next generation of youth to work hard both on and off the soccer field- showing them how to work hard and have fun!
I still recall the day when it came to me that these kids will have to be replaced, as mentor coaches, as an instrumental part of the residential camp experience. It was rather nerve racking to imagine not having them around, to help each other, to guide the kids, to create the lively intense and humorous atmosphere around the camps. You know what happened? The next summer several candidates were selected from the residential camp program to replace this crew who had been watching and learning- there was instant success and hope. The torch was passed and the stories continued. In fact, as I re-read this while writing this makes me realize there have now been several generations of young goalkeepers who have travelled the exact same path. A journey which starts with a passion, willingness to work hard, improve and deal with setbacks.
The first group of goalkeepers I started to work with was in the early '90's and there are some familiar names for who emerged from this program. Raegyn Hall. Bob Stankov. Nic Stankov. Nicci Wright. Sian Bagshawe. Each of which has inserted themselves back in the game as goalkeeper trainers at the professional level, the national level and the community level. From there the seed was planted. Goalkeepers who trained under the influences of our initiatives have made a global impact. There are professional goalkeepers playing in Europe, played for Canada, the provincial team program, CIS and College Soccer, there are goalkeepers competing in a a variety of leagues for Adults that would be competitive and/or recreational. In fact, there is one family we have worked with through the years who had all three children pass through the program at different times. To this very day, I am honored to observe the next generation, perhaps the 7th or 8th generation of young goalkeepers to move through our programs aspire to achieve the same dream we all share. Several years ago in the Comox Valley we started a player development academy, which produced a handful of talented and devoted young goalkeepers who now compete in the local competitive league. This all came about because as we started the player development program there was one hard working, kind and motivated mentor coach who was fueled by the same passion we have all shared for goalkeeping. This young lad infused another generation of talented young goalkeepers to train hard, learn and wake-up thinking about goalkeeping. It is a long time ago, but I recall a very similar experience when I grew attending the Team Sales Goalkeeping Clinic in Victoria, however, I will share this story for another time.
Is this an article about friendship? Comradery? Support? Mentorship? Perhaps this is a story that combines all of these qualities. The one thing that is certain, the game is a beautiful place to learn, to live, to love, to laugh, to develop new friendships, to grow and reflect on. Throughout my entire adult life I have been very lucky to travel the word several times over thanks to the game of soccer. But, you must know, one of the most enjoyable part of the experience at this stage of the game is getting together with my childhood friends, my team-mates from youth soccer each summer for a recreational 7-aside soccer tournament. It is a weekend full of laughter, teasing, humor and of course trying to make our aged bodies do what we did in our twenties and watching the little ones play as we reflect on the memories we shared growing up together and playing for the Gorge Soccer Association. Thinking back, finishing second in the world at the 2002 FIFA Women's Youth World Championships was AWESOME! Finishing fourth at the 2003 FIFAWomen's World Cup was AWESOME Playing in front of 60,000 at the age of 18 years in Morocco, Africa and eventually winning the gold medal at the 1988 Jeux De La Francophone Games was AWESOME! The game has been good to me, thinking back and reflecting on the people and the experiences who were a part of the joureny is an absolute pleasure.
Thursday, 28 January 2016
The Journey of a 1000 miles......
1975. The London Boxing Club wins the Canadian National Amateur Men's
Soccer Championship, taking home the prestigous Jubilee Trophy from the
tournament in Winnipeg. This would serve as one of my earliest soccer
memories, I was in fact too young to be there, however, my father was a
goalkeeper for the team and there has been a photo hanging in our TV
room for years that made a lasting impression. Before the London Boxing
Club won the national amatuer championship in 1975, there was a group of
miner's from Cumberland, BC who won the trophy in the early 1900's. In
fact, the next time you are in the Village of Cumberland drop by the
Waverly Hotel for a game of pool, there is a black and white photo of
this team. Back to the photo hanging in our TV room, which for years
served as a momento for my father, and a source of inspiration for
myself. The London Boxing Club experience formed a lot of my earliest experiences in the game, which to this day inspire my passion for the game.
The locker room. The smell of linament in the locker room at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria combined with Juicy Fruit Gum were deeply embedded into my childhood thanks to the London Boxing Club. To this day I can still recall the feeling of walking into the changeroom pre-game, at half-time and post-game to the smell of heat rub and the abundance of Juicy Fruit. The mood or atmosphere was generally lively and full of fun. At least from my perspective, there was lots of teasing and of course, the weekly ritual of wearing my own replica of the team jersey.
The colors. The photo on the TV Room wall shows a team in burgendy long sleeved polyester jerseys and a goalkeeper with a long sleeved powder blue jersey smack dab in the middle of all that polyester and long hair. I had my own version of the long sleeved burgendy polyester team jersey, which, to this day might explain my love for polyester. It is a fairly common occurence around the household to have my wife look at me and say "oh no, not polyester again!" What can I say, I love the feeling of a pair of polyester trackpants, a dry-fit t-shirt and matching top! I wore that London Boxing Club long sleeve jersey for years to come. To games, to training, to school, to the clubhouse. In fact, in my grade two school picture I am wearing a long sleeved gold polyester jersey that came from the Lansdowne Evening Optimist, but we will save that story for another day.
The clubhouse. The weekly ritual after the game was to go back to the old brick building which housed Nelson's Music for many years in the late '90's and is now a trendy condo complex in downtown Victoria. The afternoons were spent tearing around the building, watching the boxers train in one area, hanging out with my parents in another area and preparing for the McDonald's order. The list was prepared and I was off, running down the road to the nearest McDonald's to load up on food for the hungry soccer players, and of course sneak in a burger or two with fries for myself. Oddly enough, years later when the club folded and became the Victoria Athletics the clubhouse they inherited was even closer to another McDonald's!
The talent. There are players like Bob Bolitho, Brain Robinson, Garnet Moen, Dean Stokes, Ted Reading, Ron Thompson, George Pakos, Ash Douglas, Kenny Ross, Steve Carroll, Howie Anderson, Danny Lomas and Frank Woods who would all become a larger part of my life in many different ways. Through the years these figures became friends, mentors, coaches and heroes. Bob Bolitho went on to play for Canada and was a professional in the NASL. He would also be the general manager for the Victoria Vistas when I played in the early '90's. He would also be a player I observed for years, even in over '30's that could strike a ball with relative ease, great technique, confidence, powerf and control. Brian Robinson also went on the play for Canada. Garnet Moen played in the NASL and visited us at our home in the '70's to share some of his stories. Dean Stokes always had a laugh and a smile. Ted Reading lived with us for years in Fernwood when I was growing up. Ron Thompson could always be found close to the game willingly sharing his passion and genuine love for the game. George Pakos, or the water-meter reader who played for Canada and scored a remarkably import goal to qualify Canada for the 1986 World Cup in Mexcio. If I am not mistaken he played Division 1 in the VISL in his 20's, 30'', 40's and maybe even his 5-0's. To this day you can still see George officiating games. Frank Woods. We had the priviledge of playing together with the Victoria Vistas in the early '90's and even though he had played with my dad in the '70's he was quite a player. Perhaps the only player to play both with my father and myself in the same career. To this day, I know Frank is coaching youth soccer and having a great time. Lucky kids, they have a coach who shares a tremendous amount of passion for the game, loves life and laughs alot!
The team parties were such a big part of growing up. It was all about being together. I loved that and learned a lot about belonging.
The comradery carries on to this day. Look around at the impact these people have made on the game of soccer in their respective community. Coaches. Managers. Volunteers. Politicians. Fans. Motivators. Fundraisers. We are surrounded by a wealth of knowledge, experience and success on Vancouver Island. Pioneers? Perhaps, but there folks have stories about who inspired them to play dating back to the '6o's and the '50's. Team names like the Victoria Royals- well before my time.
The commitment. To one another, To the team. To the club. To the community. There was no other club growing up for me. Who was I going to play for when I was old enough? There was only one answer, until the club folded and became the Victoria Athletics in the '80's. Oddly enough, the Victoria Athletics replaced the London Boxing Club and became our main nemisis when I started playing for the Gorge Molson's in the VISL. In fact, I recall a match at Blanshard Street Park against the A's around the age of 15 or 16 years, it was a nerve racking experience playing against men of all ages. There was a ball played through the backline along the ground which is slid out to gather in my hands. As I started to slide I notice a player from their team lunge forward at the same time to slide into the ball and tackle me as I was coming forward along the ground sideways. I managed to collect and keep the ball, however, there was a gash up the inside of my leg from the cleats this player was wearing-ouch! That one hurt and stayed with me for a long time- when you go to the ground as a goalkeeper you are vulnerable and must find ways to protect yourself. It was at this very park, in fact at the same end of the field and goal that I was protecting that I remember getting beaned by a ball during a shooting practice with the London Boxing Club. I loved to watch my dad play goal. I loved to watch others play goal. I loved to play goal. However, this one day I was standing far to close to the goal and got smacked during a shooting practice that knocked me over and brought instant tears!
The stories. There was a goal scored on the London Boxing Club during the 1975 tournament from a kick-off on a very windy day. I never attended the game, or saw the match but I heard the stories. I also have had some embarassing moments. One time we were playing a game on TSN against the North York Rockets when Cosimo Comisso cracked a shot from 20+ meters that dipped and dropped and fumbled into the goal between my legs. It was heart-breaking and on National TV. There are others, like the time I let a ball accidentally roll under my foot in my first indoor game with the Tacoma Stars and into the goal from a much greater distance than 20 meters. The game has taught us all many things, how to deal with setbacks and recover is essential to success in life, both on and off the field.
Coaching Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. During a youth national team camp I was involved with as a goalkeeper we were playing an exhibition game at Naden. I recall observing a moment that was nerve racking for a close friend from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who was scored on from the kick-off. Our immediate reaction on the sidelines was that the coaches were going to let him have it. When in fact, the coaches used this moment as a very powerful learning moment for all of us- be sure when you step on the field to train and/or play you are ready and concentrated. Through the years I would have dinner with my friend when we played in Winnipeg and we always had a chuckle at how scary this moment was for him!
The memories. The changeroom at Beacon Hill Park is not longer in use. The field at Blanshard Street is more commonly used for baseball. Juicy Fruit is no longer sold in sticks. The art of goalkeeping still moves me, however, the art of coaching, community and developing the game also play a large part in my involvement with the game. I could never imagine being able to recognize and thank each of the powerful influences along the way, however, it feels like it is time to start sharing some of these stories.
Stay tuned!
The locker room. The smell of linament in the locker room at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria combined with Juicy Fruit Gum were deeply embedded into my childhood thanks to the London Boxing Club. To this day I can still recall the feeling of walking into the changeroom pre-game, at half-time and post-game to the smell of heat rub and the abundance of Juicy Fruit. The mood or atmosphere was generally lively and full of fun. At least from my perspective, there was lots of teasing and of course, the weekly ritual of wearing my own replica of the team jersey.
The colors. The photo on the TV Room wall shows a team in burgendy long sleeved polyester jerseys and a goalkeeper with a long sleeved powder blue jersey smack dab in the middle of all that polyester and long hair. I had my own version of the long sleeved burgendy polyester team jersey, which, to this day might explain my love for polyester. It is a fairly common occurence around the household to have my wife look at me and say "oh no, not polyester again!" What can I say, I love the feeling of a pair of polyester trackpants, a dry-fit t-shirt and matching top! I wore that London Boxing Club long sleeve jersey for years to come. To games, to training, to school, to the clubhouse. In fact, in my grade two school picture I am wearing a long sleeved gold polyester jersey that came from the Lansdowne Evening Optimist, but we will save that story for another day.
The clubhouse. The weekly ritual after the game was to go back to the old brick building which housed Nelson's Music for many years in the late '90's and is now a trendy condo complex in downtown Victoria. The afternoons were spent tearing around the building, watching the boxers train in one area, hanging out with my parents in another area and preparing for the McDonald's order. The list was prepared and I was off, running down the road to the nearest McDonald's to load up on food for the hungry soccer players, and of course sneak in a burger or two with fries for myself. Oddly enough, years later when the club folded and became the Victoria Athletics the clubhouse they inherited was even closer to another McDonald's!
The talent. There are players like Bob Bolitho, Brain Robinson, Garnet Moen, Dean Stokes, Ted Reading, Ron Thompson, George Pakos, Ash Douglas, Kenny Ross, Steve Carroll, Howie Anderson, Danny Lomas and Frank Woods who would all become a larger part of my life in many different ways. Through the years these figures became friends, mentors, coaches and heroes. Bob Bolitho went on to play for Canada and was a professional in the NASL. He would also be the general manager for the Victoria Vistas when I played in the early '90's. He would also be a player I observed for years, even in over '30's that could strike a ball with relative ease, great technique, confidence, powerf and control. Brian Robinson also went on the play for Canada. Garnet Moen played in the NASL and visited us at our home in the '70's to share some of his stories. Dean Stokes always had a laugh and a smile. Ted Reading lived with us for years in Fernwood when I was growing up. Ron Thompson could always be found close to the game willingly sharing his passion and genuine love for the game. George Pakos, or the water-meter reader who played for Canada and scored a remarkably import goal to qualify Canada for the 1986 World Cup in Mexcio. If I am not mistaken he played Division 1 in the VISL in his 20's, 30'', 40's and maybe even his 5-0's. To this day you can still see George officiating games. Frank Woods. We had the priviledge of playing together with the Victoria Vistas in the early '90's and even though he had played with my dad in the '70's he was quite a player. Perhaps the only player to play both with my father and myself in the same career. To this day, I know Frank is coaching youth soccer and having a great time. Lucky kids, they have a coach who shares a tremendous amount of passion for the game, loves life and laughs alot!
The team parties were such a big part of growing up. It was all about being together. I loved that and learned a lot about belonging.
The comradery carries on to this day. Look around at the impact these people have made on the game of soccer in their respective community. Coaches. Managers. Volunteers. Politicians. Fans. Motivators. Fundraisers. We are surrounded by a wealth of knowledge, experience and success on Vancouver Island. Pioneers? Perhaps, but there folks have stories about who inspired them to play dating back to the '6o's and the '50's. Team names like the Victoria Royals- well before my time.
The commitment. To one another, To the team. To the club. To the community. There was no other club growing up for me. Who was I going to play for when I was old enough? There was only one answer, until the club folded and became the Victoria Athletics in the '80's. Oddly enough, the Victoria Athletics replaced the London Boxing Club and became our main nemisis when I started playing for the Gorge Molson's in the VISL. In fact, I recall a match at Blanshard Street Park against the A's around the age of 15 or 16 years, it was a nerve racking experience playing against men of all ages. There was a ball played through the backline along the ground which is slid out to gather in my hands. As I started to slide I notice a player from their team lunge forward at the same time to slide into the ball and tackle me as I was coming forward along the ground sideways. I managed to collect and keep the ball, however, there was a gash up the inside of my leg from the cleats this player was wearing-ouch! That one hurt and stayed with me for a long time- when you go to the ground as a goalkeeper you are vulnerable and must find ways to protect yourself. It was at this very park, in fact at the same end of the field and goal that I was protecting that I remember getting beaned by a ball during a shooting practice with the London Boxing Club. I loved to watch my dad play goal. I loved to watch others play goal. I loved to play goal. However, this one day I was standing far to close to the goal and got smacked during a shooting practice that knocked me over and brought instant tears!
The stories. There was a goal scored on the London Boxing Club during the 1975 tournament from a kick-off on a very windy day. I never attended the game, or saw the match but I heard the stories. I also have had some embarassing moments. One time we were playing a game on TSN against the North York Rockets when Cosimo Comisso cracked a shot from 20+ meters that dipped and dropped and fumbled into the goal between my legs. It was heart-breaking and on National TV. There are others, like the time I let a ball accidentally roll under my foot in my first indoor game with the Tacoma Stars and into the goal from a much greater distance than 20 meters. The game has taught us all many things, how to deal with setbacks and recover is essential to success in life, both on and off the field.
Coaching Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. During a youth national team camp I was involved with as a goalkeeper we were playing an exhibition game at Naden. I recall observing a moment that was nerve racking for a close friend from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who was scored on from the kick-off. Our immediate reaction on the sidelines was that the coaches were going to let him have it. When in fact, the coaches used this moment as a very powerful learning moment for all of us- be sure when you step on the field to train and/or play you are ready and concentrated. Through the years I would have dinner with my friend when we played in Winnipeg and we always had a chuckle at how scary this moment was for him!
The memories. The changeroom at Beacon Hill Park is not longer in use. The field at Blanshard Street is more commonly used for baseball. Juicy Fruit is no longer sold in sticks. The art of goalkeeping still moves me, however, the art of coaching, community and developing the game also play a large part in my involvement with the game. I could never imagine being able to recognize and thank each of the powerful influences along the way, however, it feels like it is time to start sharing some of these stories.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Vancouver Island Soccer Academy "springing into action!"
The first meeting of the Vancouver Island Soccer Academy on Feb. 16 was well-attended by lots of familiar faces and a few new faces. The registration process has been initiated online and will continue in the week ahead. Importantly, there will be a second meeting on Friday, Feb. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at the Old House Village and Spa in the meeting room to finalize the registration process and size the players for clothing. All parents and players must be present at this meeting to discuss the training times and days one last time before we set the wheels in motion. Importantly, there will be several additions to the coaching staff for 2014 as we build towards a more professional development model:
• Shel Brodsgaard is the founder of the Vancouver Island Soccer Academy (est. 2013). Shel is a National B License Certified Coach. Currently, Shel is the VIPL Riptides Soccer Development Coordinator, Kwalikum Secondary School Soccer Center for Excellence Director, Oceanside Youth Soccer Society Technical Director and founder of Denman Island Residential Summer Soccer Camps (est. 2000). He is also the former Canadian Soccer Association National Teams Goalkeeper Coach (2000-2006) and recently spent a season with Toronto FC in the MLS as the Sports Performance Analyst (2012). Shel has been involved with the game at all levels and thoroughly enjoys being involved with the players, parents and coaches in the North Island.
• Ken Garraway is a National B License Certified Coach, BCSA Course Conductor and former BCSA Provincial Team Coach. Ken also played for the Canadian Men's World Cup Team in 1986.
Ken is a fantastic coach with a wonderful sense of humor. His sessions are lively, intense, demanding and educational. Ken's involvement with any youth soccer organization brings forward the level of professionalism both on and off the field.
• Jamie Fales is a National B License Certified Coach and NCCP Level Four Theory Certified. Jamie is a graduate of the National Coaching Institute in Victoria and was a member of the Canadian Women's National Team Support Staff from 2003-2007. Jamie has extensive coaching experience and was a captain for the Canadian National Team in his youth. Jamie exudes passion for the game and is a tremendous motivator for youth. His sessions are full of life and love for the game- there are few who can match the energy Jamie puts out when working with kids.
• Bruno CH Munger will be running the Keeners Program for the 2003-2004-2005 players. Bruno is a former national team handball player and soccer enthusiast. He created a successful campaign for the Keeners through the CVUSC and will continue to do so under the VISA banner. His first project will be to return to Vancouver in early April to compete with both the Keeners and Keeners-Lite in a tournament.
• Marc St. Jules is the owner/operator of "The Cave." Marc is a highly successful and effective personal trainer. He will bring a level of professionalism to the training and development of our academy athletes with his "cleats" program. Marc spent the winter working with several of the VIPL age groups and recently ran a very successful campaign with a select groups of 2002 born players from the academy. The players will benefit tremendously from these workouts which will be included in the training times.
"We look forward to another exciting spring!" Brodsgaard said.
Friday, 7 February 2014
ANNOUNCING NEW WEBSITE FOR 2014 SPRING ACADEMY AND SUMMER RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS ON DENMAN ISLAND
EAT. SLEEP. PLAY SOCCER.
“ CHAMPIONS ARE MADE FROM SOMETHING DEEP
DOWN INSIDE OF THEM- A DREAM, A DESIRE, AND A VISION.”
Friday, 31 January 2014
2014 VISA Spring Academy Online Registration
Please take a moment to register prior to the information meeting on Sunday, February 16th, 2014
https://soccersoccersoccer.wufoo.com/forms/2014-spring-soccer-academy-program/
Sunday, 26 January 2014
2014 VISA Spring Academy Information and Registration Meeting Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Old House Village Hotel & Spa
1730 Riverside Lane
(250) 703-0202
5:00 pm – 6:30
pm Players & Parents ages 2001-2006
6:30 pm – 8:00
pm Players & Parents ages 2000-1996
The aim for these informational meetings is to review
the academy model being created and address all concerns regarding CVUSC House
& REP Soccer, defining and explaining the age groups, outlining the
skill-based model for assessment of the players, as well as address the program
content and goals. Our goal will be to form the following groups for the 2014
Spring Academy:
Keeners-Lite (2005–2006 born players)
Keeners (2004 born
players)
Player Development Program
(2003-2002-2001)
Player Development
Program (2000-1996)
If you would like further information regarding the
2014 Spring Soccer Academy please email sheldano@telus.net.
2014 DENMAN ISLAND RESIDENTIAL SOCCER CAMPS & ONLINE REGISTRATION
We are pleased
to provide you the opportunity to live and train in a very special and
unique environment on Denman Island. The community has an excellent
soccer field, which, in addition to the lakes, ocean and natural
environment provides an excellent setting for you to excel. These
residential programs have been running since 2000 with tremendous
success, for many, the highlight of each and every summer! Each
residential camp on Denman Island provides you with the opportunity to
work hard on and off the fi eld. There are two training sessions daily,
excluding Wednesday (day-trip to Tribune Bay) and Friday (morning
session only). The sessions are designed to work on technical training
(ie passing) with speed or agility training in the mornings, and the
afternoons are reserved for functional training and small sided games.
Days are topped off with a refreshing swim at one
of the local lakes and Paola’s cooking has become legendary! Be
prepared for a residential experience that includes great food and “good
times!”
All participants will be asked to submit a waiver/release form as well as a questionnaire regarding allergies/food and/or acknowledge any special or unique diets prior to the start of camp. All participants will also receive a camp manual to make them familiar with the island,our location and the expectations for the camp. We ask that camp participants be prepared to find their own way to and from the ferry terminal at Buckley Bay at the beginning and end of the camp (please con rm these details prior to the start of the camp).
Please note, the applicants for the Advanced Camps for Player and/or Goalkeepers must contact sheldano@telus.net to confirm eligibility. The Advanced Camps are designed for VIPL, HPL, Provincial and Youth National Team Players. Importantly, all special requests for player movement between programs will be handled on an individual basis. Which means there is an opportunity for players to participate in programs based on skill rather than birth year. All participants are required to register online:
https://soccersoccersoccer.wufoo.com/forms/2014-residential-soccer-programs-on-denman-island/.
Special Guests
Camp Staff
Mentor Coaches
All participants will be asked to submit a waiver/release form as well as a questionnaire regarding allergies/food and/or acknowledge any special or unique diets prior to the start of camp. All participants will also receive a camp manual to make them familiar with the island,our location and the expectations for the camp. We ask that camp participants be prepared to find their own way to and from the ferry terminal at Buckley Bay at the beginning and end of the camp (please con rm these details prior to the start of the camp).
- July 6-11, 2014 for FEMALES ONLY born in 2002-2000 & 1999-1996
- July 13-18, 2014 for INTERMEDIATE players and goalkeepers born 2001, 2002, 2003
- July 20- 25, 2014 for YOUTH players and goalkeepers born 2004, 2005, 2006
- August 3-8, 2014 for ADVANCED players and goalkeepers born 2000-1996
Please note, the applicants for the Advanced Camps for Player and/or Goalkeepers must contact sheldano@telus.net to confirm eligibility. The Advanced Camps are designed for VIPL, HPL, Provincial and Youth National Team Players. Importantly, all special requests for player movement between programs will be handled on an individual basis. Which means there is an opportunity for players to participate in programs based on skill rather than birth year. All participants are required to register online:
https://soccersoccersoccer.wufoo.com/forms/2014-residential-soccer-programs-on-denman-island/.
Special Guests
- Mark Bell Former Prospect Lake Soccer Association TD
- Craig Glennie VIU Mariner’s Women’s Assistant Coach
- Amy Vermulen former Candian Women’s National Team Player
- Morgan Quarry Canadian Men’s National Team Manager
- Burns Jennings Canadian Men’s National Team Equipment Manager
- Big Daddy Denman (Bob Stankov) Goalkeeper Coach for the Victoria Highlanders
- Ian Bridge Former Canadian Women's National Team Head Coach and Current UVIC Vikes Men's Team Assistant Coach
Camp Staff
- Paola Brodsgaard Cook
- Kathy Brodsgaard Cook
- Kjeld Brodsgaard Bus Driver and Camp Maintenance
- Isabella Brodsgaard Camp Baby
- Frodo Camp Dog
- Perky Camp Cat
Mentor Coaches
- Alex the Goalie (Alex Jones) U16 VIPL Riptides
- Charlie Purcell U14 VIPL Riptides
- Jared Jones U15 VIPL Storm
- Chris Ilyn U14 VIPL Storm
- Oscar Novak U15 CRYSA Select
- Peter Gledhill U15 VIPL Storm
- Ryan West U16 VIPL Riptides
- Danielle Robertson U15 VIPL Riptides
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