From staff reports

LAGRANGE – It’s almost camp time again.

For the second consecutive summer, the LaGrange High girls’ soccer team will be offering a camp, with the week-long event kicking off on July 17 and going through July 21.

The hours will be from 8 a.m. until noon each day, and the cost is $80.

The camp, which is open to girls ages 5 to 15, will be held at the Troup County Soccer Complex.

A year ago, more than 30 girls turned out for the inaugural camp, and camp director and LaGrange High coach Andy Fritchley is looking forward to year two.

“We have more registered campers than last year and are expecting even more,” Fritchley said. “Last year was a huge success for us. The campers and our player volunteers had so much fun. It was great to be part of such a positive camp experience.”

Joining Fritchley as an instructor will be Colin Ross, who is a coach for the LaGrange girls’ soccer team.

Ross said players of all skill levels are encouraged to attend.

“First-time players are more than welcome,” Ross said. “We break down the sport into simple pieces that anyone can understand.

“Plus, we make the environment such that they’re learning the skills while enjoying an activity of playing a fun game.”

Fritchley said he was appreciative of the positive feedback following last year’s camp.

“We had parents tell us it was the most enjoyable camp their kids have ever been to,” Fritchley said. “That’s both exciting and humbling for us. We just try to provide an upbeat and enthusiastic environment where our campers can learn a beautiful game and have fun doing it.”

Fritchley added that “we’ve assembled an awesome group of coaches and volunteers. We have some college players, club players, varsity players and academy coaches.”

Ross said the camp, while focused on soccer skills, will also teach skills that will be of a benefit away from the field as well.

“The game of soccer is a gateway for learning life skills, from understanding the power of teamwork to perseverance and confidence,” he said. “We will teach these concepts in this camp.”

OF NOTE: For information on the camp, go to www.lagrange.soccer