Camps incorporate World Cup theme
By Robert Haddocks
Atlanta Journal Constitution - June 10, 2006
Now that the World Cup is under way, count on Gregg Tavani spending a lot of time in front of a television set.
The Duluth High School and club soccer coach can't get enough of his favorite sport.
He'll soon have his own version of the event, with the start of his fourth annual soccer camp, which will incorporate a World Cup theme.
Squads will assume the names of world teams and answer daily trivia quizzes about the games. Prizes will be awarded.
"It's going to bring a little more energy to the whole camp," said Tavani, who has attended three World Cups. "It's the biggest sporting event in the world. The camps have been very successful, and we're looking forward to this summer. In a World Cup year, that makes it that much better."
The first of three five-day camps begins June 26 at Bunten Road Park in Duluth. Boys and girls ages 7-15 are welcome.
The camp, which is open to all skill levels, has grown each year, and Tavani expects as many as 250 kids this year. Each day's activities will include warm-up, stretching, drills and game competition. The camp is from 9 a.m. to noon. A second camp will be July 10-14 and a third July 17-21.
The World Cup continues through July 9.
Tavani, who coached the Wildcats to the Class AAAAA semifinals for the third time in his five years, will have plenty of coaching help.
He has recruited club coaches and several of his former star players, including Chris Davis, Patrick Ahearn, Chris Ugarte, Emily Bender and Kara Bennewitz. Current Wildcat starters Patrick Bentley, Tyler Hammack and Andreu Harris were Tavani campers, and the coach hopes Duluth's success this past season might attract a few more future Wildcats.
But the camp typically draws kids from all over Gwinnett, north Fulton and Forsyth counties, he said.
"The success of the Duluth team always seems to pick up the numbers in the camp," Tavani said.
The spunky coach always pushes to get the most from his players, but the camp atmosphere "balances fun and intensity," he said.
Space for the camps is limited. Cost of registration is $130 for one week, $240 for two weeks and $350 for three.
Discounts are available for siblings.
For more information visit www.tavanisoccer.com.
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