DIXFIELD — Another British Invasion is on the way.

Area soccer players will have an opportunity to test their skills and be exposed to different cultures at the ninth annual Challenger British Soccer Camp. The event will be held mornings at Harlow Park from June 21 to the 25.

The campers will be coached by a member of the Challenger’s British coaching staff   

The Dirigo and Mountain Valley girls’ soccer players utilized as a center piece for showing and sharing the countless strategies involved in the international game.

 “I do it to keep the interest and excitement for soccer,” said longtime Dirigo coach Art Chamberlin. “This camp will expose the kids to a high skill level.  By bringing it here, more kids will take advantage of it. They don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars and be gone for a whole week.”

There are four age groups: 3- to 5-year-olds, 4 t0 6, 6-12 and 10-16. Chamberlin said the cost ($98) is reasonable and children don’t have to travel and sleep in a hot dorm room. After a scheduled session, they still have the rest of their day to relax.

The Challenger’s camp is more than a week of drills and skills. The daily regimen includes foot skill development, technical and tactical practices and daily tournament style plays. Each child will also be treated to a rich cultural experience and lessons on respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship. The most popular part of each camp is the Camp World Cup. This daily tournament is designed to teach players about life, customs and traditions of other countries.

The camp attracts players from Dirigo, Mountain Valley and throughout the River Valley.

“Team wise we have gotten a better understanding of team play,” Chamberlin said. “This includes learning how to work together both on offense and defense. The teams each compete in the Mountain Valley Conference, so it will be rewarding to see them compete against each other in the future.”

Dirigo was quite successful with different defensive formations that have been used after previous Challenger camps. The Cougars have used a flat-back line and a rotating defense to cover each areas of the field against a rushing offense.

Casey Dumond’s mother has offered to be the host family for the British coach. The assignments will be made the week before each camp. Challenger has been conducting summer soccer camps throughout the United States for 20 years. For more information, contact Chamberlin at 597-2375 or 357-1057 and [email protected]