Thunder acquires Footskills Summer Soccer Camps

Published on December 16, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Friday, December 16, 2005) - The Minnesota Thunder took a major step today in the enhancement of its summer soccer camp programs for boys and girls by announcing the acquisition of the Footskills Summer Soccer Camps, its largest camp competitor since 2001. Through this acquisition, the Thunder will create several Thunder-Footskills SuperSites at its largest summer day camp locations and will provide additional experienced staff and a more affordable camp for kids.

Former Thunder player and fan favorite, Mark Abboud, is the founder of Footskills, Inc. and has been hired by the Thunder as the Director of Thunder-Footskills SuperSites. Abboud will oversee the programming at each of these SuperSites, programming that will feature the best aspects from both the Footskills and the Thunder camp systems. In 2005, over 1,200 young soccer players from the ages of 6-14 participated in Footskills camps held in Woodbury, Eagan, Lakeville, and Eden Prairie. Now combined with the Thunder, over 3,000 young soccer athletes are projected to attend a Thunder summer day camp in 2006 - the majority of these campers being members of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association.

"By combining two of the top youth soccer education programs in the region we have created the premier day camp and learning atmosphere for young soccer players," said Djorn Buchholz, general manager of the Thunder. "With the quality of our current staff and the addition of Mark and his staff, we have joined the best soccer coaches around to maintain and improve our status as the best camp program in the five-state area."

Abboud, who holds a USSF "A" License, was the Director of Youth Development for the Thunder from 1997-1999 helping to lead the camp program from 300 to 2000 participants in 1999. From 1994-2000, Abboud was a defender for the Thunder under former head coach Buzz Lagos.

"Everything that I have been able to do with youth development in the last decade has stemmed from of my experiences with the Thunder, both as a player and from working as its Director of Youth Development," said Abboud. "With a new ownership group, office staff, and overall vision within the club, I feel that I am the first of many former Thunder players who will want to get re-involved with the team and help it to pursue its goals."

The Thunder Summer Soccer Day Camp schedule should be ready for release in early January. The Thunder held summer camps in over 35 metro-wide locations in 2005 with over 2,000 kids attending.

SUBWAY has been named the Official Food Partner of all Minnesota Thunder Day Camps once again in 2006. On Thursdays, campers can join in on a SUBWAY sandwich party for lunch and will receive a sandwich and a drink. Adidas and Soccer USA are also major sponsors of the 2006 camp program.

To receive a camp brochure when they are printed please call 651-917-8326 or send an email to trina@mnthunder.com.

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Gather your friends and get together for some good holiday sportsmanship in the Soccer Blast's 6v6 Holiday Soccer Tournament from December 26-30. Youth and adult, recreational or competitive brackets are available. There are three 40 minute games guaranteed with a championship game for the best team in the bracket. Visit www.soccerblastmn.com for more info.

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USL First Division Stories from December 16, 2005


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