Each summer, a trio of coaches descends on Sonoma from the U.K. to teach Valley children the finer points of soccer. Sponsored by Challenger Sports, the coaches are hosted by local families and staff a one-week camp at the Field of Dreams. Open to boys and girls ages three through 18, camp sessions are broken up into groups by age and skill level. Each day campers work on things like technical drills, individual foot and tactical skills, small-sided games, coached scrimmages and even a daily World Cup Tournament. When they aren’t learning, campers are having a blast dressing up the coaches, drenching them with water during regular “Soak the Coach” times, creating flags for their World cup country, competing in the crazy hair contest and just having fun getting to know each other and the coaches. For more information, go to challengersports.com.
Meet the coaches:
Name: Dan Roberts
Age: 19
Hometown: Tywyn, Wales
Famous landmarks: Tywyn is a small town on the coast of Wales. There is a beach, lots of mountains and fabulous scenery. The town itself is very peaceful and quiet.
Family: Mom, Sarah; Dad, Clive; and two younger brothers, James, 17 and Jessica, 13.
Years playing soccer: As long as I can remember, at least 16 or 17 years.
Comments: My dad was an excellent soccer player and played for many years. By brother, James, is also a fine soccer player and at home, we play for the same club.
Years coaching: 4-5 years. This is my second year coaching for Challenger Sports in California and my second time in Sonoma. It is a great place to come, very friendly and picturesque. I’ve met some really nice people, too.
Cities coached this season: Carmicheal, Rocklin, Tulare, Tahoe City and Sonoma. Next week I go to Monterey. Last year I coached in Sonoma, Truckee, Susanville and two spots in Los Angeles.
Name: Stacey Ann Buist
Age: 18
Hometown: Dunbarton in Glasgow, Scotland
Famous landmarks: The town of Dunbarton is near Loch Lomand, one of Scotland’s famous lochs and the largest loch in Great Britain.
Family: Mom, Anne; Dad, Andy; brother, Nicky
Years playing soccer: As long as I can remember
Comments: I’ve played since I was very young. My family plays for fun but nothing fancy.
Years coaching: I have coached for three years. This is my first year with the Challenger camp and the kids have made this a great experience for me. I would love to be able to return next year, thanks to them.
Cities coached this season: Reno, Mountain View, Roseville and Sonoma
Name: Craig Walker
Age: 25
Hometown: Mansfield Woodhouse in Nottinghamshire, England
Famous landmarks: Nottinghamshire is in the east midlands of England. It’s really green. I live close to the legendary Sherwood forest, about 20 minutes from the famous Major Oak.
Family: Dad, Stephen; brothers Mark, 27, and Jamie, 20
Years playing soccer: 9
Comments: I didn’t play league soccer until I was 17 but grew up playing with my friends in our village. And while I’m the only soccer player in my family, we all love soccer and support Sunderland AFC, which is close to where my dad grew up.
Years coaching: Two years. I love the sport so I enjoy coaching all ages. It’s the first job that I get a real “buzz” from. This is my second year coaching for Challenger Sports British Soccer Camps. Last year I was based in Seattle.
Cities coached this season: Reno, Mountain View, Roseville, Sonoma.
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