Testimonials
You are both welcomed back to Region 91 any time and I will be in talks to bring the Spring Development Program to our region. I believe this will be a definite boost to the region and the kids of the Antelope Valley. I will personally miss seeing you guys out there; I know all of our coaches will miss you. You have truly made a difference in not only with us as a region, but you have made a huge difference in children’s life’s and that is something to be very proud of.
I sincerely thank you as does the region.
Kevin Stacy, Regional Commissioner
National eAYSO Commission Member
AYSO Region 91 – Lancaster, CA
The Pardue Family
Thanks, The Haas Family
I want to thank you for a great experience. My children participated in your British All Challenger Soccer Camp this summer in Mt. View, Arkansas. They thoroughly enjoyed it, and can’t wait for next summer. All of the parents and children I spoke with were very excited about the British Soccer program. The service you are providing is a wonderful addition to our local soccer program. Ours is a new program, in a community that is not familiar with soccer. It is great for the kids to work with coaches that are as dedicated and knowledgeable as the ones you provided. Coaches Dave and Ajay both exhibited a level of proficiency and professionalism that was above expectation. Kudos to them, and cheers to you for finding, and training them. The uniforms, balls, and tee shirts that you provided were attractive, durable, and of good quality. I really had no expectations because usually, when you get “free” extra stuff, it is junk. Not so, in this case. Thanks. Good job. Again, thank you. The equipment, the coaches, and the program are all top drawer. I will not hesitate to recommend this program to anyone. Please tell coach Dave and coach Ajay that we couldn’t be more pleased. I’ve never gotten more for my money.
Sincerely The Glover Family
The Kassner Family
I am writing this letter to show my appreciation for the amazing effort put forth by Nick, Mike, and Rhys at the Apple Valley soccer camp this past week. The three were highly professional and put on a fun camp that taught my two sons a great deal. The focus of the camp was right on target. They kept the kids focused on learning, attitude and fun while they are learning. To me this is critical to creating a lifelong love of sports in general. They practiced athlete centered training. The approach to the training being focused on attitude sent the right message to the athlete. The bottom line is that Nick, Mike, and Rhys are great coaches and they put on a camp that helped to shape the attitude, skills, and spirits of many young men and women. Way to go!!
The Hanshaws
Once again, my daughter Carmen (age 10) had a wonderful experience at soccer camp. The coaches came through with that magic combination of skills and fun that makes the Challenger camp the perfect way for kids to fall more in love with the sport of soccer. Even though it was by far the hottest week in Portland for years and years (107 for two days), Chris, Noel, Daniel, Sam, Mark and Gary kept everything upbeat and lively for our kids. Chris Harding and Noel McManus stayed with my family, and I’d like to take the opportunity to sing their praises. In Chris and Noel, you’ve chosen two extraordinary young men to represent your company. They were excellent house guests who are both welcome in our home again any time. Beyond that, I was very impressed with their job performance. Not only were they both favorites with the kids (see photos below), they showed remarkable leadership skills with the other coaches while also building great camaraderie. In your shoes, I wouldn’t hesitate to put Chris or Noel in a leadership position at future camps. Thanks to everyone at Challenger for creating a summer highlight for my daughter. Carmen already plans to attend again next year.
Sincerely, The Osborn-Charles Family
The Evans Family
Please forward this to Rob if you can.
The Welch Family
Sincerely, The Martins
I just wanted to take time to let you know what a wonderful time me and my family had being a host family. Matthew Biddle was a delight to have in our home last week. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to be a host family and would do it again, in a heartbeat! Matthew was a gracious guest and fit into our family very well. This is an experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives. We miss him already and talk about him often. Thanks again and we have thoroughly enjoyed being a host family!
The Walters Family
Sincerely, The Reyes Family
The Bates Family
The Bouley Family
We were very fortunate to be able to welcome Helen into our home. We have a very busy household. We have 6 children. Helen became a very special part of our family. After spending 9 long hours on a very hot soccer field, she managed to come home and spend more hours entertaining our children with many different activities. They kept her going. She found time to make them each feel very special to her. Her love for children and soccer was very obvious. We are truly impressed at how she understood each of their individual needs. She was always polite, helpful and very pleasant. She really is special.
Helen and Matt deserve additional praise for their work with our eight year old son Dylan. Dylan is a special needs child. We were so lucky that Helen and Matt were able to identify that immediately and work with him to have a very successful week at soccer camp. This was Dylan’s first successful attempt at a summer camp. This success was due to Helen and Matt’s patience, understanding, and encouragement. They were able to do this while continuing to give the entire camp what they needed. We had a great all around experience. Well, done! These young coaches are amazing and deserve to hear it!
The Serene Family of Townsend, Massachusetts
My daughter just finished her week long soccer camp and I am writing to say thank you. The camp was excellent. The ” Champions of Character” initiative is what is lacking in alot on youth sports. The coaches were fantastic and the environment was fun and my 7 year old daughter learned a lot. On the way home she asked if next year she could do a full day camp.
The Perry Family
Thank you, The Crenshaws I just wanted to write and let you know that for the 2nd year in a row we had an awesome experience!! I have to admit, last year was perfect and we were a little worried that we wouldn’t get coaches who were as great with the kids, but we hosted Jon Crook, Henry Wilson and Grant Watson and they really did exceed our expectations! We don’t have a big house, but they didn’t seem to mind being in close quarters with us! They were really lovely boys with exceptional manners and were great role models for my boys! The week flew by way too quickly and we were so sad to see them go! So, I wanted to congratulate you and Challenger, as you have picked another great crop of coaches! I’d say that I’d love to have the 3 boys again next year, but I think they’d like to branch out and see more of America, as well they should! But we really look forward to whoever we get again next year!
Best regards, The Langleys I was a host family for the week and wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our coach – Ritz. In fact the entire group seemed very professional the entire week. My son and the rest of the campers seemed to have a good time while learning some valuable soccer skills. Leo and Clairon did a great job leading a group of our coaches in the art of teaching soccer while making it fun at the same time. The team of youngsters you have assigned to our camp seemed to have just as much fun as the campers. A feat that I am sure is not always easy to achieve considering they coach a different group each week. Ritz was a pleasure to have with my family.
Thanks again for a job well done, The Sweeneys
Many thanks indeed for our recent communications; especially to Peter’s prompt reactions in updating your waiver-disclaimer language (as a result we were able to agree to your revised legal provisions in good faith, whereas most parents have told us they typically don’t agree but sign anyway and would later pretend not to have understood if an issue arose). Whilst we had become deeply concerned about Challenger’s motives and the safety of our son on reading your original waiver-disclaimer, we have now experienced that our son was actually quite safe, not exploited and well looked after during this week’s camp.
Lastly, we hope to get in touch with your local CC United partner organization to get our son involved as appropriate.
Cheers and very best,
Sturgeon Family
The Sutter Family
Thanks Again, The Hamel
Thanks for the wonderful program, The Junkin Family
Just wanted to let you know how wonderful it has been hosting Cory Hyde. We didn’t host last year because we didn’t know what to expect. Jamie was our daughters coach last year and we all fell in love with him. We knew other host families and were told how awesome hosting was. They were right. Cory has become a part of the family now and there will be many tears shed tomorrow. He did tell us his schedule and when he said he had time off before he flew out, without hesitation, we offered to house him until he leaves. We totally trust him in the house if we aren’t home. He is so polite and respectful. One thing I do want to mention is that one night when He and Jamie were on their way to camp they came up on an accident where a lady was hit on a scooter. She was laying in the street, badly broken leg with exposed bone and head trauma. People were standing around just looking. Jamie and Cory, knowing they would be late for camp, got out, ran over to help and call 911. The lady was afraid she wasn’t going to make it and Jamie held her hand and kept her calm until the paramedics got there. He promised he wouldn’t leave her. The fire department was first to the scene and apparently clueless and rude to the lady. They were going to move her until Cory reminded them she had head trauma. He also told them to take it easy on her as they were very rude. These guys are so amazing!! Jamie’s host family also lives in our neighborhood so it has been great getting to spend more time with him this year. These guys are such an asset to this organization and now they are also our friends forever. My daughter asked if Cory could move in!!! He has been awesome with our 3 kids and they love him to death!!! Thank you for giving us this opportunity and we will definitely do it again next year.
The Worfs
This was the first year of attendance for my son at the soccer camp and we just wanted to say THANK YOU! Coach Adi, Coach Dom and Coach Mark were outstanding. We would like to say how wonderful they were with all the children. Very patient, kind, and exceptional in training the children in soccer. They were quite personable with the parents as well. We would also like to give Coach Adi an extra pat on the back, he was inspirational to the children, had fun with them and kept them engaged. He also taught them respect and responsibility and that is priceless. I could go on and on about how great he was but am afraid you might think we are a paid spokesperson! Haha. It would be wonderful next year, when we sign our son up for the soccer camp, if Coach Adi and Coach Dom are available, that they would be the coaches for our area. We would love to see their faces again and have the consistency of having the same coaches. We would also very much enjoy signing up to host them. Wish them safe travels for us and we sincerely hope to see them next year.
Kindest Regards, The Holst Family
Sincerely, The Boldts
I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how well the competitive camp is going! In particular Rachel has been outstanding with group. She is has shown excellent leadership qualities and is really running a great camp. She should be commended… I can see the difference in the way she is handling the group from our standard camp and it is just what we were looking for. The attendance is great, the skill level of our players is at least consistent which has allowed the group to run some great practices. I like that Rachel also asked if there were some particular skills or items that I would like to see her concentrate on and we have worked something out. So please give her my compliments and makes sure that her superiors are aware of what a great job she is doing. Thank you for setting everything up for us.
Thanks, The Levesques
Just wanted to let you know that my 2 children just completed the camp held in Cranston RI and had an awesome time. Rhys and Paul were their coaches and they were wonderful. They had endless energy, were fantastic with the kids and made it such fun that even though some days were above 90 degrees they loved it and didn’t complain once. We’d love to see them back here again next summer. Thanks for a great program with exceptional coaches. We all appreciated them very much.
Sincerely, The Turchetta Family
Sincerely, The Slater Family
Sincerely, The Spavale Family, Katy, Texas
I wanted to take a minute to write and express my gratitude for such a well run camp. My son Trent attended the Challenger Camp last week at Chinn Chapel soccer fields in Highland Village Texas and simple loved it. I think it was due to the wonderful coaches you had for us. Coach Sam was the director. He was well organized. Funny. Personable. And handled the parents with ease.
Coach Greg and Coach Scott also lent a hand to the fun and activities. They encouraged every step of the way (a lot of good jobs and high fives). Such wonderful positive encouragement that came from the heart. All five coaches were genuinely nice and made time for all of our question and concerns. You pick an excellent group of young men to represent your organization. All were amazing role models. If any of these young men choose to come back, please keep my name and information. My family would love to be a host Family for your
organization. Thank you again for a memorable experience for my son. He walked away with a new love of the sport and that to me is priceless.
Sincerely, The Chalmers
I would like to thank you for sending the finest team of coaches to our camp this year. This years coaches consisted on 3 old friends and 3 newcomers. Adam Carew, Aled Jones and Gail McFarlane were here last year and it was like a homecoming. Joel Andre’, Zac Waterman and Calum Murison were newcomers to our camp , but quickly became close friends with the campers and families. We have never had such a fantastic group before. They taught with enthusiasm and was able to break everything down to the campers level. The First Kicks were taught by Calum and Zac. They maintained order and was able to keep the attention of the younger players for the entire session, which is hard to do. The Older groups were taught by Joel and Gail. These two pushed the older players to learn a new skill every day. The instructions were clear and very professional. These two deserve to be head coach in the future. As always, I save the best for last. Adam Carew and Aled Jones were “Simply the Best”. Organized from the very start, these two handled any situation that deviated from the schedule. From campers not wanting to participate to rearranging the schedules due to rain so every camper received their full instruction. These two did it all. The true magic came away from the camp. They moved into our homes and our hearts. They participated in our family activities and became part of our family. I would like to have these coaches back next year.
Thank you, Parent, Coach and PARDS Soccer Director
I would like to take a minute to let you know what a great experience my eight year old son had at the Midland, TX British Challenger Soccer Camp. Coaches Scott, Owen and Joe went above and beyond in my opinion to set a positive example for our youth. They made every day exciting, challenging, and developmentally appropriate for each skill level. I just wanted to once again let them know what a great job they did. My son said it was the best soccer camp ever and he cannot wait to participate again next summer. Thanks for your hard work!
The Carmichaels
I enrolled my 2 sons in your soccer camp at Bush Park on July 6th through July 10th. They are both beginners. One is 5 and one is 4. They have never played organized sports. I would like to thank Coach Scott Simpson for the way he worked with my sons. As a public school administrator and a former coach myself; I know good instruction when I see it. He is very organized and wastes little time transitioning between drills. His patience is infinite, and he nurtures a love for the game within the kids. I have observed him encouraging the kids as well as redirecting them when they are off task. Coach Simpson is doing a great job. My two sons just love him. Thank you for allowing Coach Simpson to come here; he is an outstanding young man. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly.
Sincerely, The Session Family
I wanted to write to let you know how impressed my husband and I were with our son’s coach this week, Alex Rahey. Coach Alex was prepared with many activities that appealed to and worked for kids of all ages. My son is 3 and has never played soccer. He was just as involved as the oldest child, who I believe was 12. Coach Alex was wonderful at encouraging all the players. As a 3 year old, my son Rodney sometimes stopped or tried to sit out. Coach Alex found fun ways to get Rodney redirected and re-engaged in the activities with the other players. Rodney looked forward to camp everyday and I marveled at Coach Alex’s skills with all the children. Thanks so much for bringing this wonderful program to my area. I hope that I can take my son to the camp in Woodland during the August session and I would be happy if Coach Alex was there to further my son’s skills. Please forward this e-mail to anyone who can take note of Coach Alex’s skills as an instructor, his ability to relate to children of all ages and his openness in communicating with parents. He is an impressive young man. We felt lucky to have him.
Sincerely, The Hofhenkes
I wanted to take a minute and let you know how great the British Challenger camp was that took place the week of 7-20-09 in Frisco, TX. Rory, Leon, Mark and Sam were wonderful with the kids; they were very enthusiastic and made the camp fun for them. This was my daughter’s fourth soccer camp this summer and she told me it was the one she enjoyed the most because of the coaches, she had Leon for her skills portion and thought he was great. She was able to work on some skills she had already learned as well as learn new ones. I have already told several of her friends from her soccer team that they need to do this camp with us next year.
The Welch Family
I wanted to compliment you and your coaches on a job well done. My son, Bryson Marretta, was fortunate enough to have Coach Chris during Challenger Camp. He was such a professional young man, but most importantly, so knowledgeable in the game of soccer. The drills that your team went over during the week with my son were very valuable. All the coaches did a great job. As a young player, Bryson, is always looking to improve his game. Please let us know when you will be back in our area for further training, or any opportunities that may warrant travelling to in order to advance Bryson to his best level.
Sincerely, The Marretta Family
Thanks so much. The Morelli Family
Melissa Hood (and family)
Sincerely, The Sprouse Family
Sincerely The Summers
WE just saw Matt and Dan off after a lovely week. We could not have asked for better houseguests, coaches or friends. They are both great guys who added much to our family this week. Aside from coaching all day, they often played a pick-up game with our boys in the backyard. They enthusiastically joined us for all sorts of family events, from picnics at the beach to BBQ’s with friends to family movie night. As for coaching, I know our son fully enjoyed his days with Coach Matt and in talking to friends with kids in Challenger, I can easily say they were very happy as well. We have hosted three challenger coaches in total and each one has been a delight. Thought you’d like to know!
The Kruss Family
Just a note to let you know how thoroughly we enjoyed having Dan Loughlin stay with us this past week. Though we didn’t have any previous experience with British Soccer, we enrolled in the South Whidbey camp and signed up to be a host family. Our experience with Dan afforded us remarkably positive introduction to your camp! I can’t imagine a more polite, easy, and charming guest. Dan exhibited a social grace that will serve him well in all future endeavors. In addition he was wonderful with our two boys. I am convinced that having Dan stay with us allowed my 9 year old to change from a reticent attitude toward the camp on the first day to full enthusiasm by the last day. Most importantly he was a superb role model for our boys. If they grow up to be as well-spoken, kind, engaging, and polite as Coach Dan, we as parents will be most pleased – and what greater gift could a host family receive? Dan has represented your organization with excellence and our overall experience was positive. Consequently, we will be looking to sign up again next summer.
Sincerely, The Marklins
CHEERS: Lyndon Klein Rock Springs Soccer Association President/Camp Coordinator
SIncerely, The Bavingtons
I wanted to give you some feedback on our wonderful experience at soccer camp this year. Both my daughters Olivia and Meghan were enrolled in camp this year in Duncan. Meghan was in First Kicks and she LOVED it. Coach Jack had such patience with the children in his group. He made the games fun and the kids were right into it. We had one of the hottest weeks on record here and Jack managed to keep the kids entertained, laughing and hydrated all at the same time. Olivia was in the afternoon Mini Soccer camp and she enjoyed being coach Jack’s helper. His ability to help the kids based on their personality traits was amazing. Olivia tends to be quite nervous and cautious in new situations and Jack had her involved within minutes. Awesome job. We also hosted 2 coaches Alex Swales and Jack Matthews. It was a wonderful experience having them be part of our family for the week. Both guys were great house guests. My daughters absolutely loved them both. The patience and willingness from both Alex and Jack to have tea parties, read stories, and listen endlessly to both girls was amazing. We were all very sad when they left this morning. We also had the opportunity to meet and visit with all the other coaches at camp – John, Steve, Adam, and Jack. I can honestly say these were some of the nicest, funniest, and courteous young men I have ever meet. This was a very rewarding week both at home and at camp. We would not hesitate in hosting coaches again and will definitely be attending camp again next summer.
Sincerely, The Smiths I couldn`t let our Challenger experience end without sending an email to tell you how much we have enjoyed both the camp and the 3 Coaches last week. I should tell you up front that we are very quiet and private people and don`t often open our home up to family, let alone perfect strangers. However, we decided to branch out of our comfort zone and open our doors to a Coach. I am so glad that we did. Both Joel and Lloyd are terrific young men, and fit in with our family from the get go. They are respectful to a fault, and are overly cautious to never intrude. They behaved like older brothers to our 2 daughters, which the girls loved. We even got to know Ryan fairly well this week too and he is also a very responsible, polite and friendly young man. I was impressed by the fact that each day at dinner time, the Coaches would ask our girls if they had enjoyed their day at camp and asked if they were being challenged enough. The girls have picked up some amazing techniques and improved upon their soccer skills at camp, and have enjoyed hearing stories about the boy`s experiences playing soccer and teaching with Challenger. After such a positive experience, we would gladly open our home to host another Challenger Coach(s) next summer.
Sincerely, The Kenyons
Best Regards, The Ormiston Familly