Orlando City Soccer Club has partnered with Challenger Sports this summer to bring Central Florida nine youth soccer camps, all presented by Publix.

From June 5 to Aug. 10, kids from ages 5 to 16 will have the opportunity to experience Challenger Sports’ “1000 Touches” curriculum - a daily regimen of foot skills, moves, juggling, tactical practices and daily tournament play. The camp is open to boys and girls, though there is an Orlando Pride girls only summer camp that runs from July 9 to 13.

“It’s more about having an outlet out there for the kids to play and get good coaching,” said Chris Gallagher, Orlando City SC Chief Revenue Officer.

The camps last five days, either in half- or full-day packages. The first camp is from June 4 to 8 at the Northwest Recreation Complex in Apopka; the last one is from Aug. 6 to 10 at the Freekick Indoor Center in Orlando.

Date Location Address Registration June 4-8 Northwest Recreation Complex Field 7 3710 Jason Dwelley Pkwy, Apopka, FL 32712 Open June 11-15 Dr Phillips Soccer Complex Field 2 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836 Open June 18-22 Northwest Recreation Complex Field 7 3710 Jason Dwelley Pkwy, Apopka, FL 32712 Open June 25-29 Ward Park Showalter Stadium Cady Way & Perth Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792 Open July 9-13 Seminole Soccer Complex

(Orlando Pride Camp - Girls Only) 7390 Lake Markham Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 Open July 16-20 Dr Phillips Soccer Complex Field 2 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836 Open July 23-27 Seminole Soccer Complex 7390 Lake Markham Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 Open July 30 - Aug 3 Ward Park Showalter Stadium Cady Way & Perth Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792 Open Aug 6-10 Freekick Indoor Center 3180 Southgate Commerce Blvd, Orlando, FL 32806 Open

The camps have been improved from years past. New in 2018 is iCHALLENGE, an app that allows campers to watch instructional videos and then go out and practice their skills, and even record themselves and upload the video and receive personalized online coaching. Players can then score points and compete in league tables with other players across the globe.

“The diversity of experiences and cultures reflects the truly global nature of the sport of soccer and we are proud to share the best practices from around the globe with the many players, parents and coaches we work with throughout North America,” said Steven Hill, regional business manager of the Kansas-based Challenger Sports.

The chance to sharpen skills and learn new ones is an invaluable opportunity for kids looking to take their game to the next level or even just enjoy the Beautiful Game.

“It’s summer. Kids need something to do, parents are always looking for things for them to do. This is a good option, especially for these half-day ones too,” Gallagher said. “My son is 4, he’ll be 5 in a few months. Probably not going to send him to a full day, five-day camp. But a half day? Yeah, he could do that. That’d be cool.”

To register and see more information, please visit www.orlandocitysc.com/camps/summer-camps or contact Steven Hill at camps@orlandocitysc.com.

Families are also encouraged to consider hosting an international coach for the week. To find out more information about being a host family, click here.