IPSWICH's renowned First Touch Soccer Camp returns to Whitton Sports Centre at the end of this month and places are running out fast.

Stuart Watson

IPSWICH's renowned First Touch Soccer Camp returns to Whitton Sports Centre at the end of this month and places are running out fast.

The three-day camp, which runs from 28-30 July, is run by former professional footballer Ronnie Mauge and top grassroots coach Terry Charles.

Mauge played for Charlton, Fulham, Manchester City and Plymouth as a player, while he also coached Trinidad & Tobago at the 2006 World Cup. Charles has coached grassroots football at numerous Premier League clubs including Chelsea and West Ham.

The camp is backed by West Ham and England's Kieron Dyer who will once again make an appearance at some stage to join in and give presentations.

Mauge said: “This time we are trying to do something a little bit different in that we will have FA coaches helping to run the camp.

“The FA are very keen to see young players be allowed to be more creative and make decisions for themselves so for that reason we won't just be doing drills, drills, drills. There will be lots of fun game-based scenarios for the kids.

“We just want to go down the FA lines, as set out by Sir Trevor Brooking, that there needs to be a fun atmosphere surrounding junior coaching.”

In addition to four of their own coaches, Mauge and Charles will be joined by FA regional coach and former Ipswich Town coach Peter Trevivian.

Once again the 'Skill Zone' will feature on the First Touch Camp, youngsters able to test their abilities in short tasks such as keep-ups or dribbling. Marks will be given in each area, with those that have attended previous camps trying to beat their last score.

Top-class prizes will be up for grabs, including signed Premier League shirts.

“At £48 for the three days we have tried to make it as affordable as possible,” said Mauge. “There are only 60 places available though and they are going quickly.

“All proceeds will go to the Macmillan Cancer Support Unit. As someone who has seen first hand what work they do for people who have got that disease and the trauma it can cause their family it was an easy decision.”

To book your place on the camp, which runs from 10am to 3pm each day, please call: 07971360133. or visit: www.firsttouchsoccercamp.com.