Soccer Camp/Workshop

The Nunavut Soccer Association (NSA) organized a three-day soccer camp in Arctic Bay at the end of November.  The school's liaisons were Sarah & Ryan.  The camp was mostly geared towards the students but there would be certain times when community members could get involved.  The aims of the soccer camp were to promote: interest in soccer, physical fitness, teamwork, and skills development.

            

Bruce

The NSA sent Bruce, a student from the University of New Brunswick (UNB).  (He has a previous working relationship with the NSA).  He plays goalie on the UNB's soccer team and has a brother who teaches in Nunavut.  He has travelled to other northern communities and held similar workshops, but this would be his first time in Arctic Bay.

            

The gym was decorated with soccer-themed decorations made by students.  One of them was a streamer with the words, "Welcome Bruce".

            

The soccer camp began on Thursday, November 24.  Bruce stayed at Inuujaq School for the entire day, helping teachers with their gym classes, and teaching them soccer drills.  A high school soccer practice was held after school until 5pm.  Bruce introduced the students to a warm up routine that included laps, ladders, and stretches.  The students also learned dribbling and took practice shots at the nets.  The afternoon concluded with a soccer game and group photo.

            

High School group photo.

But the day was not over.  A Coaching Session was held from 6 - 7pm for anyone in the community.  Several high school students stayed and assisted Bruce.  The final event of the day was Community Soccer, which ran from 7 - 9pm. 

            

The schedule for Friday, November 25th was mostly the same.  Bruce worked with all Phys. Ed classes during the school day, and another afterschool soccer session was held.  Except this time, the afterschool session was for Grades 4 - 6.  The young students learned the same warm up routines, how to dribble & pass, and finished with a soccer game & group photo. 

            

Grades 4 - 6 group photo.

Saturday, November 26th was the territory's first "Soccer Day in Nunavut".  The event was promoted by the NSA.  Participating communities were encouraged to upload pictures & videos on the NSA's Facebook page.  They also sent t-shirts and prizes to the communities who held mini-soccer tournaments.  The NSA hopes "Soccer Day in Nunavut" will become an annual event.

            

A full day of activities were planned at Inuujaq School, starting at 9am and concluding in the evening.  Grades 7 - 9 spent the most time in the gym: three hours in the morning & three hours after lunch.  The Hamlet Office assisted in organizing a skills competition and mini-soccer tournament after 6pm.  The skills competition saw players compete in soccer-themed obstacle courses and a juggling contest.  Participants formed teams and competed in the mini-soccer tournament.  A group photo was taken at the end of the night.  Bruce departed on the morning of November 27th.

            

I wish I had the time to observe and/or participate in the festivities, but unfortunately, I had other commitments.  From what I gathered, everyone had fun and learned a lot from Bruce.  Bruce enjoyed his time in Arctic Bay and looked forward to returning in the future.  Sarah & Ryan were pleased that the NSA organized the event because such opportunities rarely come to remote northern communities.

            

Expensive air travel and location are the main reasons why sports camps/workshops/tournaments/events are usually limited to larger communities such as Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, and Arviat.  They also have enough people to sustain many sports programs.  The more remote communities in Nunavut struggle because they either don't have the necessary facilities or trained personnel.  You could fly participants down to the larger communities, but you end up spending a lot of money.  It's better to bring the programs to the communities because you can do more.  The northern airlines really need to lower their prices. 

            

Photos & information were provided by Sarah. Thank you.