This week has been a busy one for Washington’s up-and-coming soccer players. The Optimist Club and Pam Pack soccer team joined forces to put on their annual summer camp.

The camp, which ran from Monday through Thursday, was a resounding success. Turnout was great as boys and girls got to either learn the basics or fine-tune their soccer skills.

“I think it’s been really good. We’ve had a ton of players out here this week,” Washington coach Jim Kozuch said. He was working with the youngest group. “The Washington High School guys, they really came through this week. I’d say we had about 10 guys here every night. It’s been as smooth as it possibly can be.

“It’s just great. The Optimist Club, for as long as I’ve been at Washington, has always been there for us. Obviously, we try to do the same thing and be there for them.”

Kozuch added that he puts great value on his relationship with the Optimist Club and its success. Recreational soccer is the Pam Pack’s feeder program. It’s worked out great as Washington has built itself into one of eastern North Carolina’s most dominant 2-A programs.

“As long as it’s around, I’m going to be around and help them out as much as I possibly can,” Kozuch said. “They’ve been great. Tom Anglim has been out there with the older guys. He’s been incredible with them.”

Anglim’s older age group got to work on much more advanced techniques than Kozuch’s kids. It’s still simple and concept-based, but all the rules of the game are enforced and they’re working towards competitive play.

Kozuch, who is in his second summer working with the youngest campers, started from the bottom and worked his way up. Fundamental skills were the focus of the four-day camp. Kids worked on dribbling, passing, and got to play fun games like sharks and minnows.

“It works its way up. It’s more intermediate in the older group as the kids are a year or two older,” Kozuch said. “They’re getting more skill and development. The older group, we try to keep it simple, but at the same time, all the real rules with more advanced skills.”

Everybody seems to take something away from the camp each year. The campers grow as soccer players. The Optimist Club gets help from the high school coaches and players. In turn, Kozuch said the camp is a great fundraiser for his program. The players themselves also pick up a few things about the game by teaching it to others.

All in all, it’s a great experience for all involved.

“It’s been a lot of sun, and a lot of fun,” Kozuch said. “I’m lucky.”