ROCKINGHAM — A milestone birthday will be celebrated by the Richmond Senior High School soccer program this summer.
Making its 25th annual appearance, the Richmond soccer summer camp will take over campus in late June.
One of several youth development camps offered by athletic programs at Richmond over the summer, the Raider and Lady Raider soccer camp annually draws the most participants.
Over the last several summers, the program has averaged over 100 campers. Last June, a total of 132 local youth from Richmond and surrounding counties participated.
This year’s edition is set for June 24-27 and will be held on Richmond’s soccer pitch, soccer practice area and the football field.
The camp is open to any boy or girl who are ages six to 15 (rising kindergarteners to 10th graders). Running four daily sessions, campers will begin at 9 a.m. and participate through noon each day.
With another large turnout expected this summer, Richmond head soccer coach Chris Larsen is encouraging families to pre-register campers as soon as possible.
Richmond soccer camp registration link
Richmond’s mission statement for camp is to “to teach, educate and raise the level of soccer skills for the campers as well as teach the team concept. This will lead to success on the soccer field.”
Local soccer enthusiasts are also encouraged to “keep active this summer by being a part of a winning tradition.”
The cost for each camper for the four-day event is $70. The price for a second child in the same family will be $130 for both players. Families with more than two campers are asked to contact Larsen.
Pre-registration will guarantee a camp t-shirt, which is included in the camp fee. Late sign ups will be held on the first day of camp and cost $75.
While fundamental equipment will be provided, campers are asked to bring their own shin guards, cleats and drinks/drink containers.
“Our summer camp is always one of the highlights of our year,” Larsen, who has been the head coach of the boys and girls teams for six years, said. “I used to attend this camp as a kid and it was always a lot of fun and I remember learning so many foundational skills that helped me as a player. And as a head coach, I see high school players now having success with things they learned while at our camp.
“That’s what we want to do for the youth in and around our county,” he continued. “Each year we see so many returners and that’s a testament to how much fun our camp is and how it benefits their game. Interest in soccer continues to grow and we’re glad to be able to provide instruction and make the quality of soccer better.”
Depending on the age group, specific skills will be taught throughout the first three days of camp, Larsen explained. There are usually 5-6, 7-8, 9-10-year-old and middle school and high school aged groups.
The week will culminate in a final day filled with small-sided games, scrimmages and other skills challenges to allow campers to put their new techniques to use.
Larsen, along with longtime Richmond soccer staple and former head coach Bennie Howard, will act as co-directors of the camp.
Assistant coach Michelle Denson will also work with campers, as a host of former and current Richmond soccer players are expected to be instructors this summer.
Each year Larsen also brings in four or five high school or college coaches from around the region to lead drills. This year’s coaches haven’t been finalized at the time of publication.
“It’s exciting to give kids the opportunity to come out and get better,” Larsen shared. “Our camp gives everyone a chance to stay involved with a growing sport and it ultimately creates a stronger interest and level of play.
“Engaging our community, whether it’s through our camp or any of the other youth camps around campus, is always a plus,” he closed. “Building those bridges now will only pay off later. I’m really looking forward to another fun and successful camp filled with development and a lot of smiles.”
