For the past 30 years, the Vancouver Police Department and the Whitecaps FC have been working together to bring the experience of summer soccer camp to local kids.
This year, from July 2 to 5, hundreds of Vancouver kids between the ages of six to 17, will be taking part in the VPD Youth Soccer Camp in Strathcona Park. The camp is one of many initiatives that the VPD uses to engage and connect with youth in the community.
The camp is organized by volunteers from the Vancouver Police Soccer and Services Club, and is a success each year thanks to the generous support of the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club, the Vancouver Police Foundation, Bell, and CIBC Wood Gundy.
Each day a Whitecaps FC coach helps oversee 20 to 25 volunteer police coaches at the camp.
The camp promises kids days filled with soccer and fun activities, such as appearances by the VPD Mounted and Canine Units, the VPD Motorcycle Drill Team, and the Emergency Response Team. The kids also receive personal safety presentations from the School Liaison officers.
The four-day camp finishes with the kids playing in a mini-world cup on Friday afternoon. For more information on the Pee Wee Soccer Camp and other VPD initiatives like this, go to VPD.ca.