U-16 Boys National Training Camp Review

U-16 boys wrap up Saskatoon camp

Canada's men's U-16 team wrapped up a one-week camp in Saskatoon today.
The 18-player camp ran 30 July to 6 August. One of the highlights of the
camp was six "Kids Soccer in the Park" interactive training sessions
with local kids.

"From a development perspective, it was an excellent camp and an
excellent test for the players," said coach Sean Fleming. "The Kids
Soccer in the Park program was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by
all - the coaches, players and kids."

The "Kids Soccer in the Park" sessions ran 31 July (College Park and
Silverwood Heights), 1 August (Westmount and Pleasant Hill) and 2 August
(Confederation Park and Warman).

"The "Kids Soccer in the Park" program provided local children with a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come out and participate in grass root
soccer skills with the U-16 boys," said Saskatoon Youth Soccer Director
of Operations Bob Rohachuk. "By targeting inner-city and low income park
areas across the city, the U-16 boys were able to interact in
small-group skill sessions.

"This is a first step in creating a bond between local soccer districts
and national teams; we have been discussing this for years and now that
it has been done once, I believe it can and should be continued across
the country in years to come."

The Canadian U-16 camp features players born in 1991 or later. These
players will be eligible for the next two FIFA U-20 World Cups (2009 and
2011), albeit most would likely challenge for a position on the 2011
team. Players born in 1992 would also be eligible for the FIFA U-17
World Cup 2009.

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2813