CARSON, Calif. - The Los Angeles Galaxy Youth Fantasy Camp kicked off its inaugural session Monday at The Home Depot Center on the campus of Cal State University-Dominguez Hills. The Galaxy Youth Fantasy Camp is geared toward giving professional training and experience to kids ages 8-15.
The day began with player check-in where each participant received a Galaxy goodie bag and uniform. The next stop was the player locker rooms in The Home Depot Center, where the kids were able to change into their new uniforms and get their pictures taken. After a quick hello from USSF Region IV Coach Ralph Perez, the kids were off to the training field for their first opportunity to strut their stuff.
Drills such as passing and shooting during the camp are all designed to increase the participant's soccer savvy. Renato Appel, a 15-year-old from Rancho Santa Margarita, particularly enjoyed the drills geared to the offensive-minded players. "I liked the 1-on-1's and the shooting. I like shooting and I like to beat people," Appoel said.
Paulina Antaplyan, a 10 year-old from Glendale, preferred the team activities. "I liked the scrimmage at the end of the day," she said.
The Youth Fantasy Camp is also an opportunity for kids to meet and learn the game from current Galaxy players. Galaxy forward Herculez Gomez spent time with the kids showing them the basics of the game and tricks that aren't so basic. A highlight for some kids was Gomez's scissor kick demonstration. "Today's involvement was working with the kids. It's a chance for the kids to meet a professional soccer player and to know that their dreams aren't so far off," Gomez said.
The few hours Gomez had with the kids was his opportunity to give a little advice for on and off the field. "On the field it's about repetition. Practice makes perfect," he said. "If you're not good right now, it doesn't mean you're not going to be good tomorrow. With hard work anything is achievable. Off the field, don't give up. You never know."
Andrew Powers, a 10-year-old from Sierra Madre, enjoyed his time with Gomez. "I liked seeing his footwork when he did his scissor kick," Powers said. Powers, a forward like Gomez, also likes the opportunity on the field to score lots of goals.
The camp continues on Tuesday when Galaxy forward Joseph Ngwenya joins the campers on the training field.
Following the end of the Fantasy Camp's first day, LAGalaxy.com caught up with a few campers to get their reactions:
Name: Christopher Stimpfl
Age: 8
Hometown: Redondo Beach
Your favorite part of the day? "The scrimmage."
Favorite Galaxy player? "Kevin Hartman, because he's the goalie."
Favorite position? "Goalie, because you get to dive."
Preferred jersey number? 1
Name: Nicholas Anderson
Age: 11
Hometown: Riverside
Your favorite part of the day? "Learning to shoot with the left foot."
Favorite Galaxy player? "Pete Vagenas because he plays midfield like I do. I've learned a lot from what he plays and what he does."
Favorite position? "Midfield."
Your best quality as a player? "Setting up plays."
Preferred jersey number? 6
Name: Paulina Antaplyan
Age: 10
Hometown: Glendale
Your favorite part of the day? "I liked the scrimmage at the end."
Favorite Galaxy player? "Landon Donovan. I really like how he plays."
Favorite position? "Left midfield. I like defending and attacking."
Your best quality as a player? "My dribbling."
Preferred jersey number? 16 "It was my dad's number, and he used to play soccer too."
Name: Renato Appel
Age: 15
Hometown: Rancho Santa Margarita
Your favorite part of the day? "The 1-on-1 drills."
Favorite Galaxy player? "Carlos Ruiz because he's Guatemalan and so am I and he's good. But right now probably Landon Donovan."
Favorite position? "Forward, because you get to score goals."
Your best quality as a player? "My speed."
Preferred jersey number? 9 "Because Ronaldo wears it."
Name: Andrew Powers
Age: 11
Hometown: Sierra Madre
Your favorite part of the day? "The 7-on-8 player game."
Favorite Galaxy player? Kevin Hartman
Favorite position? "Forward because you get to score a lot of goals."
Your best quality as a player? "Dribbling."
Preferred jersey number? 2
