Wildcats soccer camp helps players achieve their summer goals

Wildcats Boys Soccer Camp kicked off this week, welcoming 50 student-athletes entering grades 4-10 for five days filled with fun, fitness and skill-building activities at Sanfordville Elementary School. 

Led by varsity head coach Dennis O’Connor and his staff, the camp focuses on developing and improving key soccer fundamentals: dribbling, passing, shooting, ball control and overall confidence on the field. 

Each day includes dynamic drills across a series of stations, covering everything from “soccer tennis,” which teaches teamwork and body control, to various passing techniques, speed training and technical dribbling. 

Varsity players are also stepping up as camp counselors, assisting younger athletes during each activity, participating in daily demonstrations and fostering camaraderie among players. 

Daily demonstrations, referred to as "soccer jammin’," highlight important soccer concepts such as defense, combination play and shooting. Today's focus was on the latter, featuring a lecture on proper shooting form, including footwork and technique. 

Each day concludes with friendly competitions, including 5v5 games and scrimmages, with campers divided into special teams designated by Coach O’Connor. 

Beyond technical skills, Coach O’Connor emphasized that the camp experience also strengthens connections across all age groups and promotes sportsmanship.

“They listen and work really well with the older kids. I haven’t heard a single complaint – just lots of please and thank yous. These kids are excited, respectful and very coachable,” he said.

On Friday, the top performing team will face off against the counselors in an exciting end-of-week competition.