THE LATE summer sun blankets the soccer practice field, filling the atmosphere with exhilarating energy. A group of young girls hustles through drills, their focus sharp and their movements swift. Coach Harrison Camp’s voice carries encouragement and guidance, harmonious with the sound of feet brushing against the grass. Another group works on passing drills on the other side of the field — the ball dances between their feet.
Franklin County’s Camp Forest Football Club, a branch of the Tullahoma Soccer Association, goes beyond teaching young athletes how to kick a ball. Through the thrill of competition and a special bond between teammates, the youth embark on a journey of self-discovery, building soccer skills and the core values that will shape well-rounded individuals.
The skilled and qualified coaches are dedicated to nurturing each player’s potential, honing their soccer skills, and building their character. As the team competes and travels, they acquire valuable, transferable skills that will benefit them on and off the field.
Just three years ago, coaches Jim Tapp and Casey Jackson began recruiting soccer players born in 2014. Their mission to nurture their character, refine their abilities, and provide a nurturing environment for their growth back then still remains today.
Coach Camp, a former college soccer player who is passionate about youth development, is another influential coach on the team. His inten tional approach to coaching focuses on helping his players master fundamental skills like dribbling, passing, and juggling the ball. As they progress, he introduces a new and attainable challenge for them to expand upon.
Currently guiding the 2014 girls team, Camp is overjoyed when witnessing their progress and how it impacts the community.
He said, “We’ve been making the transition from individual skill to team skill. Being able to string passes together is something we’ve really been focusing on. They’re learning to keep possession of the ball rather than just trying to score.”
He continued, “There was a moment in a game when we strung six or seven passes together, and the parents got excited to see the players executing that.”
Friends and family cheered the girls on during that game as they witnessed the entire team working in unison. Focusing on “process over product” is a cornerstone of the soccer program’s process. It allows each player to develop a solid foundation for future success, embracing the journey and smaller victories more than the destination.
Winning is important, but it’s not everything at Camp Forest Football Club. The coaches prioritize cultivating a culture of encouragement and positivity. The coaches encourage the parents of young athletes to be their children’s biggest cheerleaders, offering positive reinforcement and celebrating their efforts.
“It’s important to allow them to take chances and not fear making mistakes while celebrating them for trying,” Camp explained.
Tapp’s coaching approach involves incentivizing smaller victories to provide positive reinforcement. When they reach five juggles, he generously rewards them with a Dairy Queen gift card for some well-deserved ice cream.
This perspective promotes a “growth mindset,” where the team sees challenges as stepping stones to improvement instead of roadblocks.
Camp shared how his fellow coaches have significantly impacted the program, shaping it into what it is today. Without their efforts, the magic on the field wouldn’t be possible.
“The foundation of the team, the organization of the team, and the day-to-day operations are something that Jim and Casey have been really dedicated to. They have been instrumental in making sure that this specific team functions properly.”
Camp Forest’s impact lasts long after the referee blows the final whistle. The program leaves young athletes with life lessons that resonate even after the players take off their cleats. Concepts like hard work, dedication, health and well-being, and sportsmanship are just a few of the transferable skills that they learn in practices and games.
The program nurtures not just future soccer players, but well-rounded individuals prepared to navigate life with confidence. So, if you’re looking for a program that teaches more than fancy footwork and celebrates the journey as much as the destination, then Camp Forest Football Club might be the perfect fit for your child. GN
