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The Tampa Bay Rowdies are proud to announce a partnership to bring back a Bay Area tradition this summer, Camp Kikinthagrass.

For over 30 years, Camp Kikinthagrass has provided the Tampa Bay area with youth soccer classes and camps for children ages 5-14 years old. With instructors that have played professional soccer at the highest levels, the camp provides a great learning opportunity for youngsters who enjoy the sport.

Camp Kikinthagrass is led by former Rowdies Perry Van Der Beck and Don Tobin. Perry Van Der Beck is currently the Executive Vice President, Director of Player Development and Technical Director of the Tampa Bay Rowdies.  He is a former US National Team player, Olympic Team Captain, and USSF Player of the Year.  

“As a member of the Tampa Bay Rowdies I was an instructor at the original Camp Kikinthagrass in the 1970’s,” said Van Der Beck. “I know from my experience that the development of many players and coaches in the area started with this program.”

Camp Kikinthagrass offers a curriculum that is age and skill-level appropriate while teaching kids the fundamentals of soccer in fun, competitive and non-competitive programs.

“No one fails at Camp Kikinthagrass; every player will be challenged,” said Van Der Beck. “It’s the soccer skills they need, with the soccer thrills they love. It’s all about demonstrating and showing the players the important techniques and tactics of playing the game.”

Camp Kikinthagrass is a tradition in the Tampa Bay area and offers an intimate learning environment for youth players. Current Tampa Bay Rowdies players will be on hand as well to interact with all of the youth players.

“Camp Kikinthagrass offers an intimate environment where players can be coached by professionals on a more one-on-one personal level,” said Van Der Beck. “At Camp Kikinthagrass fun and achievement go hand in hand.”

Two summer camps will be held at Walter Fuller Park Soccer Complex in St. Petersburg, starting with a Competitive camp from June 11-15 (Ages 8-14) and a Recreational camp from June 18-22 (Ages 5-14). From June 25-29, both competitive and recreational camps will be held at Canal Park in Oldsmar.

For more information on Camp Kikinthagrass, visit www.campkikinthagrass.com.