Heart of Oak’s ‘Teach Them Young’ 4-week football camp wraps up

More than one hundred youths have been introduced to the basics of football while learning essential life skills at the Heart of Oak’s (HO) “Teach Them Young” four-week football camp which ended on Friday in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
Held annually, the camp caters for beginners of the game and exposes them to the rules, techniques and exercises.
At the closing ceremony of the camp, HO Secretary Kenrick Bowry, in his camp report, explained that the camp commenced on July 18th, one day after the scheduled start, because of the weather conditions.
“(We started) with registration of 43 participants; however, to date, a total of 102 have registered, with an average attendance of 75 daily. Our coaching staff, headed by Mr Neil Humphrey, consisted of Miss Nolle Sillan, Paul John, Mark Bollers, Quincy Joseph, Colin Bowry and Sherwin Forde; also Jamal Bates, who worked as our equipment manager,” he explained.
“Participants were placed into the following sections: 8-years and under; 9-years to 12 years; and 13-years and older. I hasten to add that the youngest were three-year-old participants,” Bowry revealed.
He noted that the under-13 campers were taught basic football techniques: of receiving, driving the ball, and carrying the ball; while the older ones were taught the basic technique along with tactics and straddles.
Meanwhile, organiser and facilitator Neil Humphrey said the main focus of the camp was discipline. “In any sport that one wants to get involved in, there is need for discipline; even in the classroom. And when they go to work, they will have to be disciplined if they are to be successful,” Humphrey noted.

During the four weeks of instructional activity, participants were exposed to lectures on life skills, the laws of football, and the importance of exercise.
Bowry explained that participants were able to show off their skill, as several mini-completions were held and coaches were impressed with the performance of the participants.
“Off the field, several lectures were delivered. The ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police informed us on road safety; the Fire Service advised on fire prevention; Medic Nolle Sellan instructed us on the importance of personal hygiene; Mr. Colin Bowry instructed us on the laws of the game; and Miss Jackie on the role of the Prisons Service in the community, and she also enlightened us on the career opportunities available within the Prison Service,” he explained.
Heart of Oak Football Club’s annual “Teach Them Young” football camp was open to boys and girls between 3 years old and 13 years of age. Topics covered included diet, etiquette, and basic skills needed in the classroom.
Apart from certificates, some campers received school uniforms and football gear.