Greenville, SC – Greenville Pro Soccer is pleased to announce its support of the Banda Premier Youth Soccer Camp!
Local businessman and life-long soccer enthusiast Miguel Banda invited 20 local soccer players from across the Upstate, ages 12-14, to take part in a special camp being held at Pittman Park from July 9 – August 3. The young players have the opportunity to learn from top-level international coaches Gustavo Ferrin and Alejandro Caceres.
“I usually take my grandson to other countries for about five weeks in the summer to be trained by pros, but from now on we are going to bring coaches here so he and other kids in the Upstate can benefit from the teaching and experience that these coaches provide,” said Banda. “We are hoping for our group of kids to learn what it takes to be a high-performance soccer players. Providing these kids with an opportunity to learn from elite-level coaches is the main reason we brought coaches of this caliber to Greenville.”
Coaches Ferrin and Caceres bring impressive resumes to Banda’s camp.
Natives of Uruguay, both have put in an extensive amount of time playing and coaching teams throughout their country and the world. Ferrin spent time training and managing the Peru U-20 national team, the Angolan national team, and also helped take the Uruguay under U-20 national team to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Coach Ferrin also guided Uruguay’s “A” national team which included notable players like Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani. Coach Caceres was involved with the Honduras “A” national team and coached in the UEFA Champions League with Olympiakos of Greece.
“We are excited about this collaboration with Miguel and are please to be a part of providing these kids with the amazing opportunity to work with Coach Ferrin and Coach Caceres,” said Megan Dotson, Greenville Pro Soccer’s Vice President of Partnership Marketing and Community Relations. “This camp will provide an opportunity for the young soccer players in our community to further develop and work toward their own playing goals.”
Banda is no stranger to the sport of soccer. He owned the Greenville Lions of the USL (which at the time was a D3 Pro League) in 2001 and Premier Development League from 2002 – 2003. The team played at Sirrine Stadium in downtown Greenville and had great on-field success in its first year, making it all the way to the league finals.
When talking about the sport, it is clear to see Banda’s passion for the game.
“For us and many more families, soccer is a not just a sport, it is a lifestyle,” said Banda. “It keeps our kids busy and the family together, plus we enjoy this beautiful game. Anybody can play. You don’t have to be the tallest, the biggest, the fastest or the toughest. All you have to do is run and kick a ball.”
In an effort to continue to grow the game around the Upstate, Greenville Pro Soccer will host a free introductory Kickers Clinic on August 11 for kids ages 6-14. Participants will learn the fundamentals of the game and receive instruction from coaches with 11.11 Training.
“Clinics and camps are an excellent way for young players to learn the fundamentals of soccer,” said Dotson. “Greenville Pro Soccer intends to provide and support programs for every type of player to learn, build confidence, acquire leadership skills and have a positive, fun experience.”
To learn more about Greenville Pro Soccer’s Kickers Clinic and to register, click here!
A select number of spots are still open for the Banda Premier Soccer Camp. Please email Miguel Banda at miguel.banda@gmail.com if your child is interested in being a part of this great experience.
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