Mississippi Brilla FC Hosts Pathway to Pro Soccer Camp
By Datti Jinkiri
Summertime is a prime time for various kids’ camps, and in our community it is no different. Mississippi Brilla FC held its annual Pathway to Pro soccer camp this week at Traceway Park. Nearly 60 youngsters between the ages of six and 12 spent their mornings increasing their knowledge of the game of soccer while developing their skills. The camp’s coaching staff consisted of a number of Brilla players as well as the team’s head coach, Luke Sanford.
The camp was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so Brilla General Manager Rusty Bryant was happy to have it return this summer. He founded Brilla Soccer Ministries in 1996 and has been running camps locally since 1998.
“Last year was a difficult year for everybody, and it was hard for us to not be able to do what we love to do,” Bryant said. ‘We love investing in the kids in this community, and we were thrilled to be able to do our camps again this year.”
The coaching staff had a definite international flavor to it. Players from Germany, Spain, Argentina, France, Brazil, Colombia, and the United States were instructors throughout the week. This diverse group of coaches provided valuable insight and instruction for the campers.
“It is such a great opportunity for kids in our community to learn from players who hail from many different countries, “ Bryant continued. “Experiencing a small taste of our players’ cultures and soccer perspectives is great for the kids.”
“Of course, the coaches end up getting as much out of the camps as the kids. They really enjoy giving back to the community and investing a week of their lives to the kids.”
Many of Brilla’s players are college students and continue to have educational obligations to fulfill over the summer. Brilla goalkeeper Jonathan Burke is of those players. The Easter Illinois University student is using this summer to play for the team as well as complete an internship for his college. Burke has taken a central role in organizing his teammates for this camp as well as Brilla’s urban camps.
“Camp was an absolute blast for everyone involved,” Burke stated. “All of the coaches loved working with each kid and building a fun learning environment. The kids learned a lot about soccer, but the coaches did as well. who had their knowledge of the game tested everyday.”
Mississippi Brilla FC will be back on the field Saturday night at Clinton High School. The team, which is currently in second-place in the USL League Two’s Mid South Division, will play Texas United. Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m., and admission will be free. Campers will walk out with the Brilla players in the pregame ceremony.
