Attendees at the RHFA national camp.
More than 100 young footballers have completed a four-day player development camp in Cambridge. The boys and girls, from all around the North Island, spent the course with the Ricki Herbert Football Academy at St Peter’s, Cambridge.
It was the fourth annual national camp held by the academy and players from it will be selected for international tours next year while one player will be selected to travel to the United Kingdom for three weeks with top London club Fulham.
Academy founder Ricki Herbert said the course helped youngsters understand what was required of players serious about their football ambitions.
As well as on-field sessions, the course made good use of St Peter’s lecture facilities, swimming pool for cool-downs and introductory work on strength and conditioning to give youngsters an insight into the levels of physical work ahead as they move into adulthood.
Herbert said he was impressed by the enthusiasm of the participating players.
“These camps are not just about football development – they are a chance for players to develop socially and build their confidence away from home and their usual environment,” Ricki said.
“The full experience helps them develop as young adults.”
Players from the past two RHFA national camps have been sent to London to train with Fulham’s academy.
Meanwhile, Cambridge Football Club are about to begin their summer programme with the start of the Onyx Summer League, a 5-a-side competition that runs weekly from early November to February.
About 300 players – men, women and young adults – will participate in the league which caters for social players to those who take their football more seriously.
Entries are open till late October and details are at the club website www.cambridgefootball.co.nz.
