[7/22/04]Local soccer coaches in Vicksburg are teaming up to bring a soccer camp to the River City with promises that it will not be a glorified baby sitting service.

The Warren County Soccer Academy will kick off its four-day camp on Monday, focusing on older players who already have a soccer base.

“We want to target the older kids,” said Warren Central girls coach Kristin Gough, who will be one of five instructors. “We want to raise the level of play without our kids having to go far off.”

The $60 camp will be offered for both boys and girls ages 12-17, and registration can be completed up until the first day, although one coach urged otherwise.

“I’d rather them get the forms into the mail this week,” said Jay Harrison, WC’s boys coach.

Harrison and Gough will be joined by incoming St. Aloysius coach Jason Hopkins. All three played in college and are certified nationally. Brandi Head, a former Vicksburg High standout and current Alabama-Huntsville player, will be the only current college player to be an instructor.

In addition, Oleg Chickhanov, the director of the Gulf Coast United Futbol Club and former professional player, will round out the coaching staff.

“He is a big draw,” Harrison said. “He has a wealth of knowledge about soccer.”

Harrison said the camp would be broken down into two sessions per day. The morning session will concentrate on intensive training, while the afternoon sessions will be used for game play.

Players will be broken into groups based on age and skill level, and will work with a different instructor each day. Harrison said he hopes to get about 50 participants.

Harrison and Gough have worked many soccer camps in the past, but mainly geared toward younger players.

“All of these coaches have something different to offer,” Gough said. “This is a great opportunity for the players.”