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BeachHaven Times
AIN'T IT A KICK
Soccer Clinic scores with young
crowd
By NICHOLAS
HUBA Staff Writer
published July 24-25, 2002
|
 Dan
Whitestone of the United Soccer Academy talks with Travis Closs, 6,
about the game of soccer. |
SHIP BOTTOM - Blake Watterworth is
not your typical vacationing 12-year-old.
While others are spending their morning going to the beach, Blake can be
found at soccer camps on Long Beach Island honing his soccer skills.
"I have been playing since I was 4 years old," said Blake, who is
originally from South Perry, Conn. "It is a lot of fun."
Blake was one of the 20 children to attend the United Soccer Academy
soccer camp in Ship Bottom Monday morning.
"This is a great way for children to come out and learn about the game,"
said Dan Adams, camp director. "During the camp, we teach children the
basic skills of soccer and what to do in different situations."
United Soccer Academy provides an extensive service, offering a total
concept of soccer for the development of players ages 3 to 18, coaches
beginner through advanced and parents, Adams said.
Interest in soccer is at an all time high after the United States advanced
to the quarterfinals of last month's World Cup before losing to
soccer-power Germany, Adams said. |
"We did a camp in Brooklyn a week ago, and
there was almost 200 people at the camp," said Adams, a native of another
soccer power, England. "You can hear people talking about the World Cup.
This is a country that could be one of the great soccer powers in the
world, if they wanted to. There are a lot of talented players over here."
Blake said he has had other children make fun of his favorite sport.
"When we are at home, we would practice and have a football team run
around us telling us that soccer is for wimps," said Blake, who plays on
two teams in Connecticut. "People don't understand how much goes into
being a soccer player. "
Blake looks up to Brazilian scoring sensation Ronaldo, who scored twice in
the World Cup final to lead Brazil over Germany last month.
"He does great things with the ball," Blake said. I wish that I could do
things like that with a soccer ball."
Sage Watterworth, Blake's 6-year-old sister, also loves he world's most
popular sport.
"I love to score goals," Sage Watterworth said with a smile. "I think that
is the best part of the game." |
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