Three football coaches from overseas have been helping out at a youth camp being held at Elliott Primary School this week, organised by Hamilton Parish Workmen's Club.

"This is the second year we have held this camp and the number of children taking part has doubled in size," said organiser Traci Burgess. "We had a waiting list and 15 of the kids here attended this year's camp for free. We designated 15 spots for children from Elliott, Francis Patton and Harrington Sound primary schools."

The week-long programme looked to help youngsters progress with their knowledge of the game along with discipline.

"We asked the principals not to simply send their best footballers, but those who have demonstrated good behaviour, sportsmanship and positive attitudes", added Burgess.

UK International coaches Tony Awor and Neil Castle, who are based in London, and Leon Othen, who is currently residing in Boston and holding coaching clinics in Connecticut, flew into assist the local coaches.

"The motto for the camp is 'The Best Soccer Experience'," said Othen.

"I was here last year when Hamilton Parish did the camp on their own, and with new sponsorship from UK International, the future looks bright."

The ages of the children ranged from four to 16, and the number this year increased drastically from the inaugural season.

The camp started on Monday and runs through to today.

"UK International holds similar camps in Britain as well as throughout the USA, and this summer we are looking to take a few Hamilton Parish kids to Connecticut to give them some outside exposure.

"Kids at the camp are broken up into age groups and then by ability in order for each kid to get the best out of themselves and to work on weaknesses they may have," said Othen.

"Hamilton Parish have helped with eight to 10 assistants joining the programme and it has been a pleasure to work with all of them."

The camp finishes tonight with former professional Kyle Lightbourne expected to be present at the awards ceremony.

"It has been a successful week so far and the camp has been promoted by word of mouth," said Burgess.

"Shaun Goater has popped in to see the kids and Kyle will be attending our prize ceremony on Friday night. So it is nice to have the kids see the sports figures that have helped put Bermuda on the map in this sport."

The camp was preceded by a coaching fundamentals seminar put on by the three coaches and was attended by coaches from Hamilton Parish, Devonshire Cougars and local sports teachers.

The camp was funded by a collaborative leadership award granted to Hamilton Parish Youth Soccer and a donor from the Centre of Philanthropy.

Other sponsors included XL Foundation, Crawl Hill Esso, Wilks Catering, The Supermart on Front Street, and Engravers.