CAMP TEACHES CHILDREN SKILLS FOR SOCCER, LIFE.Byline: John Huddy Daily News Staff Writer Connor Allen Al·len , Edgar 1892-1943. American anatomist who is noted for his studies of hormones and for the discovery (1923) of estrogen. was doing his best to dribble a soccer ball with his name on it, his sights set on the goal only a few feet away. Taking a step, bringing his little foot back, he shot with the tenacity of a pro, scoring the goal and bringing a smile to his face. Five-year-old Connor was among the 150 Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. AYSO AYSO American Youth Soccer Organization AYSO All Your Saturdays Occupied AYSO Alabama Youth Soccer Organization AYSO Albuquerque Youth Soccer Organization (Albuquerque, New Mexico) soccer players, ages 4 to 14, taking part in the Break-Away Soccer camp at Berylwood Park in Simi Valley on Monday. Started last spring by local soccer enthusiast A person who enjoys using computers and electronic equipment. Enthusiasts like technology and are willing to learn more of the ins and outs of a product than the average consumer, who just wants to use it. An enthusiast is more like a "prosumer." See consumer and prosumer. and coach Ken Dapello, the camp helps raise funds for the American Youth Soccer Organization soccer league in Simi Valley, providing teams with balls, nets and other equipment. And the young players gain valuable instruction. ``It's been a dream of mine to have a soccer camp,'' said Dapello, who even registered the most recent addition to his family, 7-month-old Chase, for the camp. ``This camp will have a full impact on the kids five years from now when they reflect back on what they learned. . . . It will keep the kids interested in soccer,'' he said. Students at the camp not only get to play a game they love, but they also learn from top players - several of whom are professionals. Instructors this week include Thor Lee, a 12-year pro who has played with Major League Soccer's D.C. United D.C. United is a professional soccer club located in Washington, D.C. that participates in Major League Soccer. The club's official nickname is the "Black-and-Red" and home uniforms are black and white with accents of red. The team's name refers to Washington, D.C. , and Joey Kirk Joey Kirk (born August 21, 1966 in Granada Hills, California) is a former U.S. soccer forward who spent most of his career playing indoor soccer. He earned seven caps with the U.S. national team in 1987 and 1988. , a 12-year pro who also has played with professional teams around the country. ``There's a lot of enthusiasm among the kids,'' said Lee, a Newbury Park native who played AYSO soccer. ``Kids at this age want to feel good about the game, they really want to learn.'' Along with the professional instructors, teen members from the Simi Valley Eclipse club soccer team also lend a hand to help the pros while learning some tricks too. ``The camp gives the kids confidence in their skills,'' said Kevin Ray, 13. ``All the kids like playing soccer, this gives them a chance to come out and play.'' For soccer parents, like David Frame, whose 13-year-old daughter Allyson was busy learning defensive skills Monday, the camp not only provides valuable instruction but also something to do. ``It's good to have something for the kids to do in the summer, and to help develop their skills for the season,'' said Frame, who has his 5-year-old son, Brenton, starting soccer this fall. ``I didn't have a chance to participate in a camp like this when I was a kid - it's great to have.'' In addition to learning soccer skills, players also will learn valuable social skills as well. Simi Valley police officers from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education  The neutrality and factual accuracy of this article are disputed.Please see the relevant discussion on the . This article has been tagged since September 2007. program are scheduled to come to camp and teach the young athletes about the dangers of drug abuse and peer pressure. ``We're trying to make a lot of fun go hand in hand with good instruction,'' Dapello said. ``We want to plant good skills in the little ones young children. See also: Little .'' CAPTION(S): 2 Photos PHOTO (1--Color) Children in the AYSO Break-Away Soccer camp show off the goodies good·y 1 Informal interj. Used to express delight. n. also good·ie pl. good·ies Something attractive or delectable, especially something sweet to eat. they received Monday at Berylwood Park in Simi Valley. (2) Professional soccer player Thor Lee leads children in a stretch Monday at Break-Away Soccer camp. David Sprague/Daily News |
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