BERNIE FAGAN SOCCER CELEBRATES 30-­‐YEAR COACHING LEGACY
Former Portland Timber, Current Warner Pacific Coach Announces Dates of Annual Summer Camps

Bernie Fagan, who began coaching soccer in 1983 after a 16-­‐year professional career, this month celebrates 30 years coaching youth players throughout Oregon. Today, Bernie Fagan Soccer continues this legacy with the release of its summer schedule of camps for recreational players, ages 5-­‐12, and competitive players, ages 10-­‐14. The camps for boys and girls take place throughout Portland and are coached by Fagan, as well as professional players, distinguished local coaches, and players from his collegiate men's program at Warner Pacific College in Southeast Portland.

"Many things have changed in the 30 years since I first began coaching," explains Fagan, "but the one thing that remains the same is my dedication to providing quality soccer experiences for young players. I invite everyone to come out this summer for a week of camp you'll never forget!"

Fagan was born in raised in England, where he played professionally for his hometown club, Sunderland AFC, and later for Northampton Town and Scarborough. After eight years in the U.S., the Portland Timbers defender turned to coaching when the team folded in 1982. Alongside Clive Charles, the late former University of Portland and U.S. Women's Soccer coach, the then 33-­‐year-­‐old Fagan began summer camps to develop youth players. First called Fred Meyer Soccer Camps, the popular summer series became Bernie Fagan Soccer Camps in 1986. In 1997, Fagan began Oregon Soccer Academy, a premier youth club that focuses on soccer skills and personal development.

Since the beginning of Bernie Fagan Soccer Camps, Fagan has hand-­‐selected every coach, drawing on a skilled pool of fellow professionals, collegiate talent and coaches from OSA. Numerous campers return again and again, transitioning from player to coach over several years. Bernie Fagan Soccer Camps are open to players of every level from any organization and offer a nurturing, fun-­‐filled environment.

States Matt Atencio, international player and coach: "Bernie Fagan is a great coach who can teach the game of soccer to youth from all backgrounds and abilities. Not only does he teach the necessary techniques and tactics, but he also provides that human touch that is often missing from other soccer camps. He and his wife, Susan, really get to know the campers and their families personally; it is no surprise that we have seen so many participants come back year after year. I am sure that all of these campers have been profoundly influenced in positive ways by Bernie Fagan Soccer Camps."

To address the varying needs of youth players, Bernie Fagan Soccer offers two options: a Recreational Camp, ideal for beginner to intermediate level players looking to learn new skills in a fun environment, and Competitive Camp, designed for intermediate to advanced level players with advanced drills centered on individual skill development and tactical awareness. For more information, families are invited to contact 503.284.4951 or Bernie@BernieFaganSoccer.com