A handful of youth soccer players gathered on the fields of Anderson Snow Sports Complex this week, taking part in a new endeavor between a local club and an international training organization.
The Coerver Elite Performance Soccer Camp was hosted by First Hernando Youth Soccer, taking place Monday through Thursday.
Though only 20 players participated, this marked a significant initial step in a partnership between Coerver and First Hernando.
“It was very good,” said Phil Bennett, First Hernando’s director of coaching. “The numbers were a little low because we didn’t advertise anywhere except amongst our own players, and this is a new partnership for us. But it was better represented than we thought.”
Established in 1984, Coerver Coaching has evolved into one of the top teaching programs in the world. It’s inspired by the methods of former European coach Wiel Coerver, who emphasized developing individual skills.
Bennett has been a certified Coerver coach for some time, and had been working on bringing the program to First Hernando. Coerver actually came out and held some training sessions at Anderson Snow over the winter.
This week’s camp, though, represented the first event under the new agreement. The club has invested heavily in the program, Bennett said, and while the camp required payment, Coerver coaches will be returning every Monday starting next month to offer free lessons.
Additionally, Bennett has been working to get other First Hernando coaches certified, and said the impact is already starting to show.
“Our goal is we just want to help,” said Dakota Dresbach, Coerver’s Central Florida regional director. “We want to help the club and grow the club, and train players so they become good soccer players.
“It’s (First Hernando) a family club. It seems like it’s a close community. All the parents were supportive of their kids. The kids enjoyed playing. I enjoy the area. It’s fun working with the kids.”
First Hernando has also partnered up with two professional teams in England, Bennett’s native country. An under-17 team connected with Plymouth Argyle Football Club, where Bennett once coach, has paid a visit the past few years. More recently, First Hernando joined with Stoke City Football Club.
Bennett said the major benefit of these partnerships is it grants him the leeway to recommend First Hernando players should they display the ability to play professionally. Plus it opens unique opportunities, such as earning an invite to Stoke City’s academy in England.
“We’re just trying to improve the quality of soccer in our county,” Bennett said.
Follow Chris Bernhardt Jr. on Twitter @cpbernhardtjr.