The FIFA World Cup wrapped up in Brazil last weekend with Mario Götze's sublime extra-time finish good enough to send the cup to Germany.
Luckily for North Islanders, a pair of upcoming events will see the soccer season extended a little further in this part of the world.
World Cup
First up, Stef Steiner and his staff return for their annual visit with the World Cup Soccer Camp beginning July 21.
The weeklong camp is actually a series of local camps held in Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeill and Sointula, if high enough turnout allows. The week culminates with a combined jamboree for all players at North Island Secondary School Friday, July 25.
In Port Alice and Port Hardy the camp is open to players age 6-14. In Port McNeill and Sointula, it is open to players age 4-16.
Registration for the half-day camps is $100 per player for the week, with a full-day camp available in Port McNeill for $185. Pre-registration is available online for all sites at www.worldcupsoccercamp.com, or download the registration form and turn it in with payment locally.
For registration in Port Hardy visit North Star Cycle and Sport on Market Street; for info call Sandy at 250-949-8928 or Liz at 250-949-7965.
In Port McNeill, registration forms may be picked up at Timberland Sports and info is available by calling Sandy McKenzie at 250-230-7092.
In Port Alice, call the Rec Centre at 250-284-3912. In Sointula, contact Debbie Garrett at 250-902-9200.
Scouting academy
After testing the waters with an invitational session last season, Coach John Soares returns to Port Hardy to offer his expertise to young players.
The five-day program will see players coached on tactical, physical, psychological and theoretical aspects of the game.
Players will receive:
• a full, personalized written assessment;
• a full nutritional information package;
• an I.F.S.A. uniform, including shorts & jersey;
• assessments forwarded to professional European clubs & universities; and,
• those players with potential will have the opportunity to travel to tryouts for European clubs or to receive scholarships from U.S. universities.
Tryouts are open from Aug 18-22. Training sessions are from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Registration costs are $250 per player, with a limit of 20 players per age group, priority for players that are recommended by their coach. Registration deadline is Aug 9. For more information, or to register, contact Marc at 250-949-8928 or email: msg1@telus.net.