This summer, professional soccer players Ross Smith of the Portland Timbers and Dave Rainford of Chelmsford City are hosting No Tippy Tappy Youth Soccer Camps for the first time at the new indoor soccer complex at the Marden Athletic Centre in Guelph and for the third successive year at Rockmosa Park in Rockwood.
Following a soccer scholarship with the U.S. first division college team at the University of Rhode Island, Guelph-born Smith has enjoyed a full-time playing career over the past seven years anchoring central defense for teams including the English second division club Dagenham & Redbridge and the Rochester Rhinos and the Portland Timbers in the U.S. professional league.
Rainford currently captains Chelmsford City in the Conference South in England, having previously played for Dagenham & Redbridge where he and Smith were team-mates.
Both Smith and Rainford are qualified physical education teachers who have led numerous youth camps in the U.K. and North America. Rainford also coaches youth soccer for Tottenham Hotspur, the famous English Premier League club.
The No Tippy Tappy Youth Soccer Camp originated in 2009 while Smith was recuperating following open heart surgery. His father, Graham, often used the phrase “No Tippy Tappy” when coaching soccer to illustrate a wholehearted approach to the game … and that’s exactly how the camp is run. The fun and cordial environment builds Sportsmanship and brings out the talent of each soccer player. Rockwood’s soccer camps met with popular acclaim in 2009 and 2010.
Rockmosa Park is a large open space with plenty of grass for youthful legs. The splash pad and trees provide shelter from the summer heat.
Marden’s indoor soccer field is air conditioned and can be divided several ways; but when there’s a chance of sunshine, soccer playing can be in the large open grass area surrounding the facility.
Youths from ages 5 to 14 are invited to join half or full day sessions from July 18 to 22 (Rockwood and Marden) and from July 25 to 29 (Rockwood only). Pre-registration is recommended. Family discounts are available. For more details, phone 519-856-0015, visit www.NoTippyTappy.com or email notippytappysoccer@hotmail.com
