League Two football club Morecambe has teamed up with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to bring its soccer camp back to the Island.
Coaches from Morecambe FC Academy will sail on the Ben-my-Chree next week and head to Ramsey to deliver a programme for young footballers aged 6-12 years.
The Steam Packet Company is supporting the camp by covering the cost of travel to and from the Isle of Man.
The partnership began last Easter when the club held its first camp on the island, which was a sell-out, and the club was then inundated with requests to return.
Ramsey Grammar School’s astroturf pitch will provide the venue on 29th and 30th of October.
Stewart Drummond, Head of Youth at Morecambe FC, said: ‘We’re delighted to be returning to the Isle of Man. Our experience last time was very positive and we received a warm welcome from our hosts.
‘We found the young Manx footballers to be full of enthusiasm and willing to learn.
‘Like other clubs, we are casting our net far and wide in the search for talent. The Isle of Man is somewhere with an established coaching network, which we’ve been able to work with and support.
‘I am delighted Morecambe Football Club has formed this partnership with the Steam Packet Company and I’m sure together we can further develop the links between the Isle of Man and the UK.’
The Shrimps’ coaches will help players develop their skills, with a programme focusing on technical and tactical aspects of the game. The sessions will be designed for all abilities and will be delivered by UEFA qualified staff from the Academy.
The club will also take the opportunity to identify talented players and offer a possible pathway into the Academy and a football scholarship.
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added: ‘We are pleased to continue our support for Morecambe FC Academy.
‘The first soccer camp was a great experience for the youngsters who signed up. These camps provide opportunities for young local footballers to benefit from qualified coaching and, who knows, maybe pursue a pathway to a scholarship with the club’s Academy.
‘I am sure it will be another rewarding experience for all concerned.’
Photograph: (Left to right): Coaches John McMahon, Ollie Raas, John Radford and James Dunn.
