The Portland Timbers announced today the team will conduct seven youth soccer camps in the greater Portland area in 2007, including five at PGE Park.

The camps, presented by Nike, Franz Family Bakeries and Tursi’s Soccer Store, are led by Timbers coaches and players. Each of the seven camps features professional instruction designed to improve skills and generate a better understanding of the game in a fun and professional environment.

In 2007, the Timbers camp schedule includes four camps that will focus on certain aspects of the game; specifically goalkeeping and a player’s speed, agility and finishing around the goal. Three of these camps will be geared towards goalkeeping and will be instructed by Timbers goalkeepers and coaches. Each specialty camp includes the fundamental instruction taught at regular camps.

New to the list of camp options this summer are competitive team camps designed to improve team tactics as well as individual skills. Team camps, for groups of up to 20 players, run for four days and provide an excellent opportunity for team bonding and development.

2007 Timbers Soccer Camp schedule:
1.) June 18-21 at PGE Park, 1-4 p.m.
2.) July 9-12 at PGE Park, 1-4 p.m. (goalkeeping focus)
3.) July 16-19 at PGE Park, 1-4 p.m.
4.) July 23-26 at Athey Creek Middle School (West Linn, Ore.), 1-4 p.m. (goalkeeping focus)
5.) August 6-9 at Gresham High School, 1-4 p.m.
6.) August 20-23 at PGE Park, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (goalkeeping focus)
7.) August 27-29 at PGE Park, 1-5 p.m. (speed, agility and finishing focus)

Timbers soccer camps are open to kids age 8-14 and cost $150 per camp. Each participant receives 12 hours of professional, on-field training, an official Nike camp T-shirt and soccer ball, and a ticket to an upcoming Timbers match. The Timbers are teaming with Franz Family Bakeries to offer a special discounted-registration offer with the purchase of select Franz bread products at Portland-area retailers, including area Fred Meyer locations.

For more information on this year’s camp program contact camp coordinator Brad Nicholson at (503) 553-5428.