World Cup Camp gets kids excited about soccer

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — The imaginations of kids of all ages were captured as Texas Rush Soccer Club coaches taught them about the game. From the dark forest to the deep ocean, the kids used story telling drills to get them excited about soccer at the Texas Rush World Cup Camp.

Jamie Bell, Director of Coaching - Camps, said the story telling helps the young players understand the concepts of the game without just teaching them how to pass and strike the ball. He said it is necessary to teach the kids on their own level.

“We need to create the imagination for them in terms of having them develop themselves, help them build a passion for the game, and learn how to play the game using story telling, which is mainly in the three to fives in our mini kickers and also the young ages in the World Cup Camp,” Bell said. “As they get older, that tends to go away, and we teach them more about the technical part of the game.”

The Texas Rush camps have grown popular among the community. Bell said getting the kids to enjoy the game is key to the growth of their skill, and the camp fosters a safe and fun environment for the kids to do this.

“These camps, especially for us in terms of our program, are all about fun, all about enjoyment, and all about building the passion for the game,” Bell said. “If they have passion for the game and enjoy getting in the game, they’re going to improve.”

Since its beginning 10 years ago, Texas Rush has equipped their soccer players with the skills necessary to become accomplished athletes, many of whom volunteer for the younger camps and eventually go on to play in the collegiate and national levels. The coaches have watched many them grow up from small children to professional athletes.

“We’re very proud of those players that move on and graduate from our club,” Bell said." We try to recognize them every year at the big even we call Rush Night where we recognize our graduating players and players who had special achievements throughout the years. Certainly we’re proud when they go on to either the national level and also the collegiate level.”