Burnaby RCMP wrapped up the sixth season of its popular youth soccer camps last week – and more kids than ever hit the pitch with local Mounties this summer.
A total of 150 kids aged eight to 13 took part in camps at Edmonds, Confederation and Bonsor parks.
Each camp hosted about 50 players.
More than 300 kids applied for the free camps, but about half had to be turned away because the camps were full.
Priority this year was given to applicants referred to the camps by community organizations, according to the detachment.
“This was our biggest year of camps yet and we have had amazing feedback from kids and families,” said Const. Dave Morris, an ex-Vancouver Whitecaps player who has now coached the camps for two years.
The youth soccer camps were started in 2017 by former Burnaby Mountie Const. Kwame Amoateng as a way to connect with youth at a grassroots level in a sports-based environment.
“Watching these kids build relationships with the coaches, youth volunteers and with each other is one of the best parts of these camps. We know the friendships, relationships, and life-lessons built on the field continue long after the camps are over,” Morris said.
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