A young Drumheller soccer player had the chance of a lifetime to train with world-class coaches from Spain.
Liam Treller, during the regular season played for the Drumheller Soccer Association U12 team. This summer he had the chance to train at an FC Barcelona Camp. About 200 youth, ages 6 and up attend the camp in Calgary, with some coming from as far away as Saskatchewan to be instructed by coaches who trained at the FC Barcelona Centre in Spain.
Liam’s mother Helen told The Mail, “It was an intensive, high caliber training program that included classroom sessions, as well as plenty of time on the field during the week-long session.”
“The camp was amazing. Very well run, it taught more than soccer skills, it taught respect and kindness. Liam improved so much,” said Helen. “The coaches were so caring and encouraging. I cannot speak more highly of the camp!”
The family was not aware how integrated FC Barcelona’s program is in Canada until Liam participated in the camp. In some urban locations in Canada, there are opportunities to play on travel teams that compete in tournaments across Canada.
There is another opportunity for Liam, as at each camp a select few players who embody the “Barcelona Spirit” of good sportsmanship and skill, are invited to a week-long camp in Barcelona later on in the season. While chances are slim and they’re not holding their breath, it is an opportunity they certainly wouldn’t turn down.