Seattle Sounders FC defender visits Gig Harbor soccer camp

MLS team hosts youth at Goodman Middle School

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

A Seattle Sounders FC player made a guest appearance last week at Goodman Middle School during one of the Major League Soccer team’s youth camps.

James Riley, a 26-year-old defender, spoke to a group of about 140 kids and signed autographs. It was the Sounders’ first appearance in Gig Harbor since Seattle was awarded an expansion franchise in MLS. From 1994-2008, the Sounders played in the United States League’s First Division.

Riley, who has four years of professional experience, spoke about his soccer background and what it takes to be a professional athlete. Toward the end of his stay, the campers engaged in a question-and-answer session and got their T-shirts and other items autographed.

The camp lasted all week and featured kids from 2 to 17 years old. Site Director Jamie Bloomstine said the focus was to teach soccer fundamentals.

“The kids really liked the player appearance and an opportunity to meet one of the professionals,” Bloomstine said.

Each camper learned a skill of the day, and the camp was capped off with a scaled-down version of a World Cup tournament.

Seth Kastelel, who attends Gig Harbor Academy, said it was cool to see Riley at the camp.

“We got to ask him questions, and we got our autograph,” said Kastelel, 10, whose favorite sport is soccer.

Another camp participant was 9-year-old Megan Sylvain, who said it was fun working with the coaches and learning new stuff.

“It was really awesome for him (Riley) to take his time to come out here,” Sylvain said. “I think he’s a really good soccer player. I see him on TV all the time.”

Sylvain added that she learned more about dribbling and handling the ball. The Lighthouse Christian student also found out how to pass better to her teammates.

“I didn’t think any of my friends would be here, but I made some new ones,” she said.