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Burnaby RCMP kicks off youth summer soccer camps

July 26, 2024, Burnaby, B.C. – Burnaby RCMP has officially kicked off the first of its three summer youth soccer camps in Burnaby. Led by the detachment’s Youth Section, this annual initiative allows Burnaby RCMP officers and staff to connect with youth from across the community in a fun environment centred around sports.

The soccer camps started as a grassroots initiative in Burnaby in 2017 and have continued to grow ever since. This year there will be three free camps that will host a total of 180 Burnaby youth. Most of the kids attending this year’s camps have been referred to the program through their schools.

This year, Burnaby RCMP is also including an all-girls camp for the first time.

“The ability to make meaningful connections with the youth in our community is what I look forward to most during soccer camp,” said Cst. Johnny Bopanrai, with Burnaby RCMP’s Youth Section. “We may meet some of these students for the first time at Soccer Camp, but we often see the positive relationships created at these camps carry on as we see these students in schools throughout the year.”

The camps primarily focus on soccer skills and teamwork, with Burnaby RCMP employees, including officers and municipal staff, taking on coaching and educational roles. Educational components this year will focus on the value of teamwork, effective communication and leadership skills to help build resiliency.

There are also special presentations from partner agencies such as the Burnaby Fire Department, Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (ERT), and the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS).

“Every year we hear from families about how impactful these camps are for the kids,” said Sgt. Kelly Basi, with Burnaby RCMP’s Youth Section. “We know students enjoy the soccer component, but we often see them really develop their teamwork and leadership skills over the three-day camps. We are proud of how these camps continue to evolve to best serve our youth.”

The camps are made possible through a grant received from the Civil Forfeiture Office and assistance from the City of Burnaby, which provides field space. Youth volunteers are also significant contributors during the camps.

This year’s Burnaby RCMP soccer camps run from July 23 to 25, August 6 to 8 (all-girls camp), and August 20 to 22. Each three-day camp will host 60 students between the ages of eight and 13 years old. All spots have been filled.

“These soccer camps are not just a positive experience for the youth who attend, it’s also an impactful experience for the police officers and City of Burnaby employees who help coach and work to support the camps. Their hard work and dedication help make these camps fun, educational, and meaningful for the youth who take part,” said Insp. Peri Mainwaring, Burnaby RCMP’s Community Programs Officer. “We are really proud to be able to offer these camps to our community.”