Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Alphonso Davies was in Nanaimo on Thursday to assist in training aboriginal youths at a soccer camp. KARL YU/News Bulletin

Aboriginal children and youths learned from Vancouver Whitecaps FC players, while the professionals grew the beautiful game on Thursday at Merle Logan Field in Nanaimo.

The sixth annual Hope and Health soccer event, a partnership between Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services and the Hope and Health for Life Society, saw about 350 participants from more than 40 First Nation communities practising and playing soccer while learning from the Whitecaps.

James Merriman, head coach of the Whitecaps’ under-15 boys’ residency team and society board member, said the event uses soccer as a “vehicle to teach life skills.”

“The most important thing for us is that they enjoy it,” said Merriman. “They make relationships, build friendships, learn to work with other kids and learn a little bit about an active, healthy lifestyle and how much enjoyment it can be, how much fun it can be. That’s why we bring the Whitecaps’ first team players out. As role models, they’re going to get to interact with them here and then see them on TV … hopefully that sets goals for them and sets some dreams in that way as well.”

For Steven Henry, who has attended the camp all six years, he enjoys the event because it’s fun. He aspires to play for the Whitecaps one day.

“I can see how they train. [I’m learning] that I have to work hard for it … train hard,” said Henry.

Alphonso Davies, 16, Whitecaps and Canada national soccer team midfielder, was happy to impart his wisdom. He remembers how special it is to meet professional athletes.

“It’s great,” said Davies. “I was looking forward to coming out here, meeting a bunch of wonderful kids and enjoying my time with them. I was in their shoes once, playing as a kid, a professional coming in and looking up to them. So I’m glad to give back.”

reporter@nanaimobulletin.com