Little champions

WASILLA -- Robbie Champion has just a few days left until he begins practicing with the Wasilla High School football squad. With a busy senior year of high school that includes football practices, basketball practice, soccer practices, games and classes, Champion could be spending his free time fishing on the rivers, playing basketball at the park, or just being lazy. But Champion has kept himself busy, not only coaching a U-12 soccer squad, but organizing his own soccer camp.

Last week marked the debut of Champions' own Champions Summer Soccer Clinic. In an effort to raise money for his high school soccer program, Champion called upon the help a few of his soccer buddies and hosted a three-day soccer clinic at Tanaina Elementary School in Wasilla.

Members of the Wasilla High School boys' soccer squad have hoped to join a winter soccer league at the new Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex and the players have been searching for a way to cover the league fees.

"We thought we'd raise some money and this is what we decided to do," Champion said.

Champion said he hopes to raise about $500 from the three-day clinic that offered three-hour sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week. The cost of the clinic was $20 each day, for each participant.

Champion said about 11 players attended the camp on each of the first two days. The clinic coaches which included Champion, his younger brother Jeff and teammate Spencer Roddick, organized drills to teach the fine arts of passing, shooting and defense.

"All fundamentals from the start," Champion said.

The players also had the opportunity to test their new skills in game-like situations.

Champion, who has coached U-12 soccer for two seasons, said coaching is an interest and hopes it will be a part of his future. He also hopes to make Champions Summer Soccer Clinic an annual event.

"It's kind of small now with just a few kids but, I am sure it will grow," Champion said.