Magic Weekend Camp For The Kids For the first time we held a camp for the children from Vosloorus over the past weekend. Sadly, we picked the coldest weekend of the year, but we still went a long way to achieving what we set out to do over the two days. The object of the camp was to introduce the children to a higher level of training and coaching and brought in two of the most experienced coaches in the country, Terrey Schweitzer and Rene Plant. We included lectures on nutrition, motivation and brought in a number of aspects of the IC Life Skills program. We also held discussions on doubles play as opposed to singles. In all discussions and lectures the children were encouraged to take an active part and express their ideas about all aspect under discussion. A lot of time was spent on the benefits of warming up and stretching, something which is lacking in the junior ranks. We also invited two children from Daveyton township development program together with their coach. The coaches from Vosloorus were also there and the camp was not only for the children to learn, but for the coaches to be taught different methods that they could then take back and incorporate into their training programmes. The pleasing aspect of the camp was the way the children all embraced the new methods and showed keen interest in “trying something different.” The benefit for the children in having two experienced coaches leading them through different training methods and tactics was immense and is yet another step forward in what we are trying to achieve in the growth of them as players and people. It is hoped that we can hold at least one if not two more of these during the rest of the year and we promise to try and choose a warner weekend!
