Skidmore to offer spring soccer camp April 18-22

Camp open to boys and girls, ages 6-14

Does your child play soccer? Want to start playing soccer? What better environment for boys and girls, ages 6 - 14, than learning from Skidmore College's men's and women's players? Held at Skidmore during the local public school's spring break (April 18-22), all proceeds go to the nonprofit Soccer Without Borders. Campers are also encouraged to donate soccer balls for needy children. Special guests include Skidmore's men's and women's coaches, Ron McEachen and Lacey Largeteau. 

For details and an application, click here. For a brief Q & A with co-organizer Doug Yeates '11, see below. Click here to view photos from a previous camp.

1) How many years have you done the camp? Approximately how much money has been raised in previous years?

This is our fourth year running the Soccer Without Borders camp at Skidmore, and we have raised over $15,000 for children in Uganda. The money has gone to help build a youth center, where children can learn and play games, such as soccer.

2) Who organizes and staffs the camp?

Skidmore men's and women's soccer players organize the camp along with Soccer Without Borders director Ben Gucciardi.

3) Why do you enjoy doing the camp?

It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. I can give back to the Saratoga Springs community by providing a fun environment for young children to learn and excel in the game of soccer. The camp also provides funding and equipment for children and communities in Uganda who desperately need it. I've visited the organization's location in Nicaragua and talked with those who run the program, as well as the children involved. Soccer Without Borders provides a safe environment for children to be children, while focusing on schoolwork and learning the game of soccer.

4) What do you hope the kids and families take away from their experience?

I want the kids to learn to love playing the game of soccer. I also want the families and children in our camp to feel they are making a direct impact on a community in Africa. All of the donations raised and equipment collected from this camp will be sent to Uganda. ~ Interview by Peter MacDonald, Office of Communications