Kids with World Cup fever can register for Disney Soccer Academy

If the excitement of the World Cup has your child dreaming of being the next big soccer star, one way to channel that enthusiasm is with a four-day clinic at the Disney Soccer Academy. The summer camps take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World.

Although two of the camps have finished, registration still is open for the final week, July 7 to 10. Parents can register their children, who must be ages 5 to 18, online at https://www.espnwwos.com/events/soccer/disney-soccer-academy/ or in person from 8 to 9 a.m. July 7. There is no limit on the number of players who can attend each session.

Athletes are put in groups on the field, where they are taught by licensed coaches from around the world. The focus is on technical development and playing games with small teams; kids practice their shooting, dribbling and defending skills. Plus, professional English Premier League soccer players get in the games with the kids.

“It’s an opportunity for children to come and be involved with current professional players. “¦ We have some of the top of the line stars coming out to be involved and play with the kids,” said Glen Buckley, Soccer Academy director, on the Disney website.

Disney Soccer Academy is run by Midwest Soccer Academy, which has been training athletes of all ages and abilities since 1973.

Although each camp day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., it is not all under the hot Florida sun. Warm-up and the first training session take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Then, kids break for lunch, which is included in the camp cost, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. They head back out onto the field for a second training session from 1 to 3 p.m. For an additional cost of $60 per week, players can stay for a third session from 3 to 5 p.m.

If there is inclement weather, alternate activities may be planned and refunds will not be issued.

The cost of one session at the Disney Soccer Academy is $390. In addition to the instruction and lunch, the price also includes an event T-shirt and a gift for each athlete. Friends and families are invited to watch the clinics, and they pay a separate admission charge. Daily admission is $16.50 for adult guests (ages 10 and older) and $11.50 for children (ages 3 to 9). Spectators also can purchase a Length of Event pass for $66 for adults and $46 for children.

For more information, call 810-577-5291.

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