Real Madrid camp teaches ‘values through soccer’

For most young soccer stars, the idea of one day pulling on a Real Madrid uniform and taking the field at famed Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is a far-off dream.

Only a precious few athletes will ever get to experience the thrill of actually donning a Real uniform.

Fortunately for young Calgarians, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners will be bringing their first North American camp to the city this summer, when the Real Madrid Foundation Campus Experience touches down from July 24-28.

It’s a camp that doesn’t just aim to gets kids playing like their Los Blancos heroes, but also to help young athletes understand everything that goes into being a successful athlete and, really, a successful person.

“One of the big things about this camp that kind of sets us apart from other camps is Real Madrid is really big on (teaching) values through soccer,” said Kris Hazari, the communications director for Calgary-based KRAKR Sports, which is partnering with the club to bring the camp to Alberta.

“It’s more than just playing soccer. There are qualities that are inherent in the sport, of course, and discipline and hard work and teamwork are important for real life.”

The camp is open to boys and girls ages seven to 17 and will bring in Real Madrid Foundation coaches from Spain, who will work alongside local ‘monitors’ who are trained in fields like child education, psychology and teaching.

In the foundation’s words, the camp will aim to take a holistic approach to “convey the values and principals associated with Real Madrid.”

“So mentally and physically, what does Ronaldo do before practice, after practice and in between?” Hazari said. “What about health and nutrition? It’s basically a holistic approach surrounded with lots and lots of fun with soccer.”

Make no mistake, the soccer component is a huge part of what the camp is all about. Real Madrid happens to be the most successful team in world soccer. Real has won 32 La Liga trophies as the champions of Spain, has won the Copa del Rey cup competition 19 times and is the winningest club in European Cup/Champions League competition, with 11 championships to its name.