FC Sarum Soccer celebrates 20th year

LAKEVILLE — On the fields of Indian Mountain School’s beautiful campus, the FC Sarum Soccer Camp quietly spent its 20th year of existence this summer, teaching the area’s youth about the “beautiful game.�

Starting in 1991 at Salisbury School, directors Steve Griggs (my father) and Joe Cleary opened the camp, offering two weeks of soccer where the aim was to give kids the chance to learn basic skills, sportsmanship and have fun playing in a competitive atmosphere.

 After the summer of 1997, Salisbury School started construction of two new academic buildings, which pushed all the fields across Route 44.

Indian Mountain graciously became the new host for the program.

“Immediately, it was clear that Indian Mountain was going to be the perfect fit,� Griggs said.

 Over the next 13 years, FC Sarum grew into a three-week program starting just after the Fourth of July when about 200 youngsters — ranging from 5 to 15 years old — come to Lakeville for a healthy, enjoyable outdoor experience.

Every year, familiar faces come back to hone their skills — and  try to take on the “Pele Courseâ€� at the end of the week.

This year was an especially great year for the coaching staff: During the middle week, 11 of the 12 staff coaches  were former campers. This staff included four three-week coaches, all of whom played locally and have become college players. Chris Matteo of Millerton plays at Guilford College in North Carolina; Maggie Yahn of Sharon is entering her sophomore year at Rutgers University.

Griggs’ two children (myself and my sister Jessica) both played in college and are furthering our careers in coaching on a full-time basis.

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