Instead of lining up around the police station, New West parents will be heading online to register their little ones for the return of Soccer School.
The New Westminster Police Department has announced that it’s “game on” for the return of its popular soccer school. This year’s camp – the first since the pandemic began – will run July 17 to 21 in Queen’s Park.
“It’s been years since we’ve been able to host this event and we’re thrilled to be able to offer it again,” said Deputy Chief Const. Paul Hyland. “Soccer school is a great way to get kids active, build self-confidence, and encourage team-building skills.”
The police department states that Soccer School is for children five to 10 years of age who are interested in improving their soccer skills, having fun, and fostering a positive bond with local police and first responders.
“Sport has the power to unite people,” Chief Const. Dave Jansen said in a news release. “It has been rewarding to hear from kids about their experience at soccer school and what it was like for them to interact with police in this unique setting. We are looking forward to creating more positive experiences for kids this summer.”
The NWPD notes that tickets for soccer school are anticipated to sell out quickly. Parents and guardians can visit the New Westminster Police Department’s website at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 4 to secure their tickets.
Tickets are $150 (plus registration fees) per child, which includes five days of soccer instruction, a T-shirt, and a soccer ball. Soccer school runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p. m. from Monday, July 17 to Friday, July 21.
Launched in the early 1980s, dozens of volunteers, including many police officers, volunteer at soccer camp. Former campers often return to coach at the weeklong event. In past years, parents would often begin lining up outside the police station at the crack of dawn to ensure their children were able to get a space in soccer school.
Each adult is limited to register a maximum of four children, no exceptions. Parents are being warned that they will have 25 minutes to complete their registration and that there will be no wait list.
