Troy University just wrapped up the first week of a summer camp aimed at teaching the next generation of soccer players the skills of the game.

“We just completed week one,” said Troy head soccer coach Jason Hamilton. “It was great. This week we had 32 players sign up and right now we have 17 signed up for next week, and we are expecting a little more.”

Hamilton said the camp is designed to catch the youngsters early and to teach them the fun side of soccer, giving them a passion for the game and a skill set as they grow.

“We are still trying to grow soccer in the area,” Hamilton said. “I think it starts at the grassroots with the younger children. They all seem like they have a great time.”

With Charles Henderson adding a girls’ soccer team, the camp is also hoping to help spark interest for both prep and recreational league teams.

Kids who attend the camp will learn the basics of soccer, while at the same time learning how to play the game their own way.

“I think it’s just about touching a soccer ball,” Hamilton said. “We think the game itself is the best teacher … A lot of our games and activities are about being creative and allowing them to teach themselves, which is really important in the game.”

Troy’s soccer team has lost just one game at home in the last two years and has broken attendance record six times in the last two years, including a Sun Belt conference seating record this year.

“We now have people reaching out, wondering if we are offering anything (like this camp),” Hamilton said. “Hopefully it’s driving up the numbers. The recreation center does offer a youth program and hopefully we are helping drive up their numbers. The fact that we have added a girls program at Charles Henderson shows that there is interest.

“I think it will continue to grow as these kids continue to go to these camps for three or four years. It helps grow youth soccer and hopefully it grow from a youth program to a travel ball program.”

The second week of the camp will run from June 13 to June 16. Participants can choose from a half-day package from 8 a.m. until noon for $85 or the full day package for $145 dollars. Participants can register at Trojansoccercamps.com