Teaching the game is Duluth coach's passion
Atlanta Journal-Constitution - May 23, 2007 by Robert Haddocks
Gregg Tavani's soccer season never ends.
He coaches the Duluth Wildcats. He coaches three club soccer teams. And for the fifth year, he'll head Tavani Soccer camp, inviting youngsters from the area to learn the game that he loves. The 31-year-old coach said he never gets tired of coaching soccer.
"It's my passion, my love and my profession," he said. "It's not even an issue. I'm going to do this for as long as I can."
The three-week camp has gotten bigger each year and Tavani expects that to continue. Dates for the camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon, are June 25-29, July 9-13 and July 16-20. It is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 15. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.
"Last year we had more than 300 kids, and so far we're on track for more," Tavani said. "The camp is getting bigger, so we're definitely excited."
This year's theme will be Major League Soccer, which, with stars like David Beckham, is gaining popularity in the United States, Tavani said. Campers will participate in trivia games related to MLS, just one way Tavani keeps the camp fun.
"The way I try to coach in general is a balance of intensity and fun," Tavani said. "Kids respond well when you're intense, but they know you care for them. We get after it. It's fun, intense and we have a lot of games. It's very competitive."
Tavani will continue the tradition of having former players coach at the camp. Former all-state midfielder Chris Davis (2003) returns from Furman. He'll be joined by Chris Ugarte (2006) and Mohamed Dolleh (2007). Girls returning include Kara Bennewitz (2004) and Emily Bender (2004), an All-American at Berry College.
Along with the fun and competition, each camp participant will receive a skills evaluation at the close of the camp, and a T-shirt and soccer ball. "It's a camp atmosphere," Tavani said. "We're not just a little flash in the pan. We're here to stay."
The camp costs $135 for one week, $245 for two and $355 for three. For more information, visit www.tavanisoccer.com.
