The Burnaby RCMP has recruited professional talent from within its own ranks for its youth soccer camp this year.
Joining the coaching staff for the two two-day camps this month is Const. Dave Morris, a Burnaby Central Secondary grad who played with the Vancouver Whitecaps between 1999 and 2007 before starting his policing career.
“I can’t think of a better way to connect with local youth from our community than on the soccer field,” said Morris, who now works with Burnaby RCMP’s youth section. “This camp lets us break down barriers. It’s not just about soccer, but about making our community stronger, building new skills and having fun together.”
The free camp was started in 2017 by Const. Kwame Amoateng, who has since been transferred away from the Lower Mainland.
It’s aimed at kids aged eight to 13 and is designed to build on the positive attitude most youngsters that age still have toward police.
The first camp at Edmonds Park attracted about 18 kids, but it has grown by leaps and bound since.
After a one-year hiatus because of COVID-19 last summer, both two-day camps this year are full at 50 kids each.
“The demand this year was unprecedented,” Morris said. “We have received a lot of positive feedback from families about the opportunity this camp provides for their children.”
The camp hits Edmonds Park on Aug. 10 and 11 and Confederation Park on Aug. 17 and 18.
It’s funded with help from the City of Burnaby and a provincial civil forfeiture grant.
The city is also providing the field time, and several local businesses are chipping in by providing lunches and soccer equipment.
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