Hosted by the city of Ceres, the Challenger British Soccer Camp was staged earlier this month at Ceres River Bluff Regional Park.

"We'll keep offering it as long as people keep signing up for it," said Traci Farris, recreation supervisor. "I like it. The kids really enjoy it. They get to meet someone from another country."

Michael Hicks, 21, provided instruction. He resides in Birmingham, England.

Hicks worked with 13 boys and girls, aged 7-12, June 17-21 in Ceres.

"I'm trying to teach the children some new soccer skills," he said. "They've done remarkably well. They've improved throughout the week. I've enjoyed it."

Ceres' Samson Gonzalez (12), Alexis Morales (11), Luke Short (10) and Delino Jermanon (7), Hughson's Wyatt Allen (7) and Zachary Allen (7), Modesto's Hannah Elms (10), Matthew Garber (8), Christopher Smith (8) and Adelina Riehardson (7), and Oakdale's Brayden Farris (11), Trevor Farris (7) and Luke LeCain (10) worked on dribbling, passing and shooting during the course of the camp. They also played fun games and scrimmaged.

Each session lasted three hours (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
Brothers Brayden and Trevor are veteran campers.

"This is my sixth or seventh year," Brayden said. "My mom (Traci) signs us up every year. It's fun dribbling the ball and playing the games."

Added Traci: "They're learning skills by playing games. They teach it (soccer) very creatively. It's not just a scrimmage every day."