Challenger Sports

Early Kickoff for Summer: How We Are Celebrating 40 Years of Camps by Giving Something Back to Our Families!

nubblemedia — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:09:59 +0000

As the holiday season approaches, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how much we’ve grown over the past 40 years. Since 1985, Challenger Sports has been committed to providing kids with incredible soccer experiences—building skills, confidence, and lasting memories. As we look ahead to summer 2025, we’re excited to kick things off early with an anniversary celebration that gives back to the families who’ve helped us reach this milestone.

We believe that this holiday season is the perfect time to not only start planning for next summer but also to show our appreciation for the families who’ve been part of the Challenger Sports community. So, here’s what’s different this year and how we’re celebrating 40 years of running amazing soccer camps!

Why We’re Encouraging Parents to Plan for Summer Early

Every summer, we serve over 30,000 kids across our various soccer camps, and we know that many parents want to be prepared well in advance. Whether you’re booking a family vacation, planning for work, or simply looking to keep your kids active and engaged, securing your spot at one of our camps early helps avoid last-minute stress.

Last year, we heard from parents who wished they had more time to plan. They wanted to know about camp dates earlier and secure their child's place in our popular programs before they filled up. That’s exactly why we’re launching early registration for our 2025 summer camps now. By planning ahead, you not only get the best possible pricing but also lock in a spot at one of our well-loved camps, whether it's Foundational Skills Camps, Creative Skills Camps, TinyTykes or Elite Camps.

The Perfect Holiday Gift: Experience and Memories Await

Looking for a meaningful gift this holiday season? We’ve got you covered! Giving the gift of soccer camp is about more than just signing up— it’s about providing your child with an experience that will build their skills, confidence, and love for the game. And the best part? It’s easy to give!

This holiday season, when you sign up for one of our week-long camps, you’ll receive a digital confirmation email with a downloadable “You’re Going to Soccer Camp” certificate. This certificate is a fun, personalized way to surprise your child and lets them know about the exciting summer adventure ahead. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it costs us nothing but a little time to set up— making it the perfect last-minute gift.

Plus, registering early means securing your child’s spot at one of our most popular camps— so you’ll avoid the frustration of waiting until the last minute and scrambling to find a place.

Celebrating 40 Years: Our Biggest Holiday Giveaway Yet

2025 marks our 40th anniversary of running summer camps, and we’re kicking off the celebrations with a Holiday Loyalty Launch that’s designed to give something back to the families who’ve supported us over the years. By signing up before January 1st, you’ll be eligible for some exciting rewards:

Digital Raffle for 40 Free Camp Scholarships
To celebrate 40 years, we’re offering 40 free camp scholarships as part of a digital raffle. When you register for a week-long summer camp before January 1st, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win an additional free camp scholarship. You can use the scholarship for your child, a sibling, or even gift it to someone else! And if you win, you have the flexibility to use it for a day camp or residential camp (upto a $300 discount). The scholarship is valid until December 31, 2026, so if you can’t use it next year, you can hold onto it for another summer.And the odds are in your favor! With the first 600 registrations, you’ll have roughly a 1 in 15 chance of winning— so if you have more than one child, your odds go up even more!

Early Bird Discounts (EBD) and Special Merch Package
In addition to the raffle, all early registrants will also receive our Early Bird Discount pricing— this is the best deal available for camp enrollment. Plus, it unlocks other discounts on additional jerseys, shorts and other fun items to get your child ready for soccer next year!

The “You’re Going to Soccer Camp” Certificate
As part of our special holiday offer, your child will also receive a “You’re Going to Soccer Camp” certificate with their registration. This downloadable certificate is a great way to surprise your child with the exciting news and add a little extra magic to your holiday celebrations. This will come to you immediately as a downloadable link in your email confirmation, so no waiting and no need to head to the shops, you just need a printer and you’ll have your gift for under the tree!

Why We’re Doing This: Giving Back to Our Families

At Challenger Sports, we’ve always been more than just a place for kids to learn soccer. Over the years, we’ve created a vibrant community of athletes, parents, coaches, and staff— one that celebrates growth, teamwork, and a love for the game. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the last 40 years, and we want to make sure that we continue to support our loyal families in meaningful ways.

By offering these special incentives this holiday season, we’re giving back to those who’ve helped us grow and succeed. Our Holiday Loyalty Launch isn’t just about early registration; it’s about making sure our campers have the best possible experience while rewarding the families who’ve made Challenger Sports what it is today.

This holiday season, let us help you get one step ahead on planning a fun-filled, rewarding summer for your child. By signing up early, you’ll take advantage of our anniversary giveaways, enjoy exclusive discounts, and secure a spot at one of our incredible soccer camps. Here’s to 40 years of unforgettable memories— and many more to come!

Get ready for summer and celebrate with us at www.challengersports.com/camp-search/

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The Benefits of Introducing Sports/Soccer at a Young Age

Kristina Brady — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 19:32:03 +0000

A child’s formative years, from birth to age eight, are arguably the most important developmental years of their life. The exposure and experiences that children receive during these early years can actually have a life-lasting impact on their success later in life. Introducing sports, including soccer, at a young age offers numerous benefits that contribute to a child's physical, mental, and social development. Here are some of the key reasons why it's important:

Physical health: Engaging in sports at a young age promotes physical activity, which is crucial for children's overall health and development. Soccer, being a physically demanding sport, helps improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, coordination, and flexibility.

Motor skills development: Playing soccer involves various gross motor activities, such as running, kicking, dribbling, and passing. These activities enhance a child's motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which can have positive effects on their overall physical development.

Teamwork and cooperation: Soccer is a team sport, and playing it from a young age teaches children the value of teamwork and cooperation. They learn how to work together, communicate effectively, and support their teammates, which are essential skills for success in various aspects of life.

Discipline and focus: Training and playing soccer requires discipline and focus. Young players learn to accept instruction, follow rules, manage their time effectively, and concentrate on their tasks, all of which can translate into improved academic performance and goal-setting abilities.

Boosts self-confidence: As children learn and improve their soccer skills, their self-confidence and self-esteem grow. Accomplishing goals and overcoming challenges on the field can have a positive impact on their self-perception and belief in their abilities.

Social skills: Soccer provides an excellent platform for children to interact with peers. It helps them develop social skills, make friends, and learn to navigate various social situations, fostering social adaptability and empathy.

Healthy competition: Sports introduce children to the concept of healthy competition. They learn how to win and lose gracefully, which helps build resilience and emotional maturity.

It's essential to remember that introducing sports, including soccer, should be done in a fun and supportive manner. The focus should be on fostering a love for the sport and encouraging participation. Ultimately, sports can provide invaluable life lessons that will serve them well throughout their lives.

If you are looking for a fun introduction to soccer, our TinyTykes program is the perfect start to your child’s soccer journey. Search for one of our TinyTykes programs near you here.

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Meet the Coaches: Lawrie O’Toole

Kristina Brady — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:03:36 +0000

Coach Lawrie O’Toole is a Scotland native and a die-hard Celtic FC fan! His entire family has donned the green and white since he was born, so supporting the club was a no-brainer. He’ll never forget watching Celtic FC takedown Barcelona in the Champions League in 2012!

Lawrie has been coaching for Challenger Sports for four years now and has loved seeing the players he works with grow and develop in their game. Each summer, he looks forward to the camps. Lawrie loves how much effort the Challenger team puts into making each event a special and memorable experience for the athletes.

Prior to coaching with Challenger, Lawrie attended Johnson and Wales University in Denver, Colorado where he played men’s soccer. He also serves as a girls soccer coach with Broomfield Soccer Club.

If you get the opportunity to work with Coach Lawrie at a Challenger Sports camp in Colorado, be sure to give him a high-five and a Scottish 'halò'!

To learn more about all of the soccer programs we offer, click here.

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Meet the Coaches: Pablo Barbosa

Kristina Brady — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 17:22:12 +0000

Pablo Barbosa is a first-year coach for Challenger and is already loving his experience with the program! He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where he trains Challenger athletes and also coaches the high school soccer team at Atlanta Girls’ School.

Coach Pablo was born in Brazil and kicked off his soccer career at a young age, playing futsal with his friends. As his love for the sport grew, he joined a club where he could compete at a higher level. The midfielder was a scoring machine – one time scoring 28 goals in just 4 matches!

Pablo went on to play professionally for Guaratinguetá, a Brazilian football club that dissolved in 2017. While he loved his time competing for the Herons, his true love remained Corinthians-Brazil, his favorite professional team since he was a child.

Pablo soon met his wife from Ukraine and together they traveled and lived in over 10 different countries. They currently reside in the United States, supporting their family in Ukraine from afar.

As a coach, Pablo holds 7v7 and 11v11 licenses, and is in the process of finishing his D license course. He loves coaching athletes on field positioning and awareness, and is most looking forward to getting the opportunity to work with Challenger Pro’s Elite Camp athletes.

To meet some of these talented coaches in person, click here to search for a camp near you.

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Meet the Coaches: Alex Nairne

Kristina Brady — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 07:30:03 +0000

Coach Alex Nairne has been with the Challenger Sports team for over 4 years now! The Scotland native has been a sports fanatic all his life. Whether it was playing or watching sports, it was when Alex felt the happiest. That passion ultimately led Alex to pursue a career in coaching.

Alex has been playing soccer for over 20 years. Growing up, he was a member of many youth teams including Livingston FC, where he was teammates with professional Scottish footballer Robert Snodgrass.

During his high school years, Alex started coaching youth players and loved the immediate connection he was able to make with both the kids and their families. To this day, it’s still his favorite part of his career. Alex has formed lasting relationships with his Challenger Sports campers in Rhode Island. Those families have welcomed him into their homes when he is stateside and have even visited him while vacationing in Scotland..

“It’s crazy how much of a bond you can develop with people in just a week,” said Alex

Nairne also has a personal way of fostering self confidence in his players, a trait that many youth athletes struggle with today. While developing their skills, he makes sure to communicate and celebrate their areas of strength on and off the pitch. Seeing the athletes improve, become stronger, and come out of their shells is one of the most rewarding feelings for Alex.

In addition to his incredible personality and ‘people skills’, Alex is a qualified and experienced coach on the pitch and is continuously aiming to improve his coaching game. He currently holds a UEFA C qualification and is also a licensed personal trainer. Through his training, he has grown an excellent understanding of youth athletes and how to develop their athletics skills and abilities.

When Alex is not coaching, he enjoys spending time outside hiking, swimming, and golfing. He also likes to catch up on the latest TV shows and movies, and will always make time to tune in to a televised Hearts of Midlothian match. The team has been a favorite of his since they were always a powerhouse in Scotland. Alex still remembers their big 5-1 win over the Hibs in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final.

To give your athlete a Summer of lasting memories and connections, search for a camp near you here.

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Meet the Coaches: Merseigne Mutombo

Kristina Brady — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 11:57:51 +0000

Our next featured Challenger Sports coach hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, but currently coaches and resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Coach Merseigne Mutombo comes to Challenger with vast experience as both player and coach. He exhibits all the right traits to motivate and inspire our athletes.

Coach Merseigne has been playing soccer since he was just 5 years old. The former striker competed for his high school team and Atlanta Eagle Academy, finishing as top scorer for both programs. After graduating from high school, Merseigne continued competing for Buckhead SC in the Atlanta District Amateur Soccer League while earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

When he was recently challenged with an injury while on the pitch, Merseigne pivoted to a coaching career to stay involved in the sport he loves so much. In addition to helping athletes develop through Challenger Sports camps, Merseigne coaches the Berkmar High School Varsity Soccer and Atlanta City FC Youth Soccer programs. His favorite part about his job is taking what he’s learned throughout his playing experience and using it to develop young athletes. Merseigne hopes to become a top professional coach in the future, and we believe he’s on the right track!

Outside of coaching, Merseigne is passionate about traveling, practicing his religion, and cheering on Chelsea FC. He’s been a loyal fan of the club since he was a child and never passes up an opportunity to watch them compete. Just last year, Merseigne traveled to Florida to experience Chelsea’s live training sessions and watch them take on Arsenal in a friendly match.

If you are looking to be trained by some of the best coaches like Merseigne, search for a camp near you here.

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Meet the Coaches: Katherine Vega

Kristina Brady — Fri, 05 May 2023 15:15:36 +0000

At Challenger Sports, we look for the best of the best to coach our youth athletes. Each of our coaches are experienced, motivating, and have a knack for connecting with young athletes. They also each have a unique background or story, which we believe helps make our Challenger Sports team so special.

We hope that our ‘Meet the Coaches’ blog series gives you, our Challenger Sports athletes and parents, a better idea of who you may get the opportunity to train with at our upcoming camps.

So, without further ado, let us introduce Coach Katherine Vega!

Coach Katherine, originally from Bogota, Colombia, moved to the United States in 2012 to study and play women’s soccer at the University of Texas Brownsville. She graduated with a degree in Health and Human Performance, which serves as a great foundation for her current role as a coach.

Katherine’s playing career didn’t end at the college level. She went on to play professionally for five years in Colombia and Israel as a central back and center midfielder. This experience allowed her to travel the world and compete at the highest level of competition. She also coached and trained youth athletes during her free time.

In 2020, Katherine enrolled in Ohio University’s Masters Degree program in Coaching Education. During her two years in the program, she also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Physical Education Department, furthering her development for her coaching career.

Katherine moved to Colorado in 2022 to begin coaching with Challenger Sports and as a head coach of the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club. She holds licenses in coaching grassroots 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 soccer, and has earned United Soccer Coaches diplomas in numerous areas, including developing the complete female player, foundations of coaching, and goalkeeper level one. Katherine’s favorite parts about coaching are being able to coach athletes of various skill levels, working alongside her awesome coaching staff, and keeping training fun by incorporating drills and games.

When Katherine’s not coaching, you may find her catching a Liverpool match, her favorite professional club. With Coach Katherine on your team, ‘You Will Never Walk Alone’.

If you are looking to be trained by the best this summer, search for a camp near you here.

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Why is camp good for kids?

Kristina Brady — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 12:50:52 +0000

Camp is a great way for kids to have fun, make new friends, and learn new skills, and a soccer camp is no exception. Soccer camps provide an opportunity for kids to learn the fundamentals of the game while having fun. Here are a few of the many benefits that soccer camp can provide to a child:

Develops soccer skills: Soccer camps offer a great opportunity for children to improve their soccer skills. Through drills and games, kids learn how to dribble, pass, shoot, and control the ball. This in turn helps them become better soccer players and gives them an advantage when competing in a game.
Enhances teamwork skills: Soccer camps also help kids develop essential teamwork skills. Playing together as a team, kids learn how to work together and trust each other. This helps them to succeed both on and off the field.
Promotes physical activity: Soccer camps are a great way for kids to stay active and fit. By playing soccer, kids get the opportunity to exercise, which helps them to stay healthy and in shape.
Increases self-confidence: Soccer camps can also help to boost a child’s self-confidence. Playing soccer, kids learn to trust their instincts, take risks, and believe in themselves. These are all life skills that will help them in other aspects of life.
Teaches good sportsmanship: Soccer camps also teach kids the importance of good sportsmanship. The game teaches kids how to win and lose with grace, respect their opponents, and be good teammates.

Overall, soccer camp is an excellent way for kids to have fun, stay active, and learn new skills. It provides an opportunity for kids to develop soccer skills, enhance teamwork skills, and increase self-confidence. It also teaches kids the importance of good sportsmanship, which is an invaluable life lesson.

If you are looking for a great way for your kids to get the most out of their summer while learning and having fun, sign them up for a soccer summer camp in your area. Search for a camp near you here.

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Challenger Sports’ Unique Coaching Approach

Kristina Brady — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 21:02:55 +0000

Challenger Sports is a renowned soccer camp provider that offers summer camps that take a unique approach to soccer coaching. The camps focus on teaching young players the fundamentals of the game and providing a fun, positive environment to develop skills.

The Challenger Sports approach is different from the traditional methods used by other soccer camps. The coaches are trained to teach their players the importance of decision-making, game intelligence, and how to work as part of a team. The coaches also use a variety of drills and games to help the players develop their technical skills, such as passing, shooting, and dribbling.

Challenger Sports also emphasizes the importance of having a good attitude and being a positive role model for the players. The coaches encourage players to be open to feedback and take responsibility for their own development. This helps the players gain the confidence they need to take their game to the next level.

The camp also includes a variety of exercises that help players become better athletes. These activities include fitness drills, yoga, Pilates, and other physical training that help the players strengthen their muscles and improve their agility and coordination.

Overall, Challenger Sports takes a unique approach to soccer coaching that focuses on developing players’ skills and helping them become better athletes. Their camps provide a fun and positive environment where participants can learn and grow as soccer players.

If you are looking for a positive yet unique soccer experience for your child this summer, search for a Challenger Sports camp near you here.

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What will your child learn at summer camp this year?

Kristina Brady — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 18:05:45 +0000

Soccer summer camp is a great way for children to learn and improve their physical, motor, and social skills. At soccer camp, children will not only have the opportunity to stay fit and active, but they will also make new friends and get used to being coached.

Physical & Motor Skills:

At soccer summer camp, children will have the opportunity to learn and improve their physical and motor skills. During camp, kids will be coached by internationally trained soccer professionals who will teach them the fundamentals of soccer, such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending. They will also learn and practice proper technique while participating in drills and scrimmages. This will give them the opportunity to hone their skills and become better players.

Staying Fit & Active:

Soccer camp is a great way to keep kids fit and active. Not only does it provide a competitive and challenging environment to play the sport, but it also encourages physical activity in a way that allows kids to have fun and stay fit at the same time.

Meeting New Kids:

Soccer summer camp is also a great way for kids to meet new friends and make new connections. At camp, kids will be able to interact with other kids their age and make new friends. This will be a great way for them to socialize, build relationships, and learn how to become a good teammate.

Openness to Being Coached:

Structured camps are the perfect environment to get your child used to listening and taking simple coaching points. They will love seeing and celebrating their improvements. As they practice this and develop more, they will become more open to instruction, not only on the field, but at home and in school.

Overall, soccer summer camp is a great way for children to learn and improve their physical and motor skills, stay fit and active, and meet new kids. With the help of trained soccer professionals, kids will be able to hone their skills and build relationships while having fun.

If you are looking for a positive soccer experience for your child this summer, search for a camp near you here.

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