What is it?
The New Westminster Police Department’s soccer school, now in its 37th year, is the highlight of many kids’ summers. While the purpose of the week-long day camp is soccer instruction, it also features presentations by the police canine unit, a fire-safety obstacle course and a visit from the fire department.
When and where?
This year’s soccer camp runs from Monday, July 17 to Friday, July 21, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. each day. It takes place at the Queen’s Park Stadium, Third Avenue and First Street.
What do the police have to do with it?
The camp is run by police officers. Last year’s event was organized by Sgt. Shari Gulliver, and each year there are a number of officers, like Const. Arloa Popke, who use their holiday time to volunteer at the camp.
Popke hasn’t missed a camp in 25 years, she told theRecord last year.
“It’s important because we want the kids to realize they can come to us at any time,” she said.
“They can ask us for help. We’re approachable; we’re not just the people who go by in the uniform or the police vehicle and drive past them.”
Who can take part?
The camp is open to kids five to 10 years old and has space for about 300 children.
How much does it cost?
It costs $110 per child, but if you’ve got two kids it’s $210; three kids is $300; four kids is $390; and five kids is $480. (Of course, the children must all be from the same family.)
OK, so how do I register my kid?
Registration takes place Saturday, April 22 at 9 a.m. in the lobby of the New Westminster Police Department, 555 Columbia St. Be warned, this camp is crazy popular, so plan to be early because once it’s full, registration is over. Typically the spots fill up in a couple of hours, and there is no waitlist.
What else should I know?
Be sure to bring your completed registration form, photo release and fee. You can download the forms here: tinyurl.com/SoccerSchool37.
For more information, go to www.nwpolice.org and click on Community Services tab and then select NWPD Soccer School from the drop-down menu.
Any questions can be sent to [email protected].
