Young international coaches will use soccer to help kids learn about Christianity and its teachings at a special camp in Anacortes in July.

“They utilize soccer as a means by which to get kids engaged in what they love, and then use that environment to teach kids about loving others and living a life of integrity and truth,” said Daphne Ryan, who is involved in organizing the camp.

Anacortes Christian Church and The Bridge to Christian Fellowship of Oak Harbor are hosting the Ambassadors Soccer Camp July 14-18 in Anacortes.

At the camp, young adults from around the world will teach 6- to 14-year-old boys and girls basic to advanced soccer skills.

The international coaches will also provide daily life-related “team talks” geared toward communicating the message found in God’s word.

“Kids are given love and attention so they come away knowing they are valued, cared for and treasured as children of God,” Ryan said. “At the same time they learn great soccer skills from volunteer international coaches who use soccer as a means to engage kids through something they understand, so that they may learn about hope and love.”

Coaches come from Mexico, Ireland, England, Canada, Brazil and Australia.

All are experienced at playing soccer and many have previous coaching experience.

“They are committed to excellence in soccer, but they are also committed Christians who want to be positive role models to children on and off the field,” according to an Anacortes Christian Church press release.

Ryan said their vision is to have a camp that will allow all the churches of Anacortes to come together under the banner of Christ to serve kids in a simple yet meaningful way and at the same time minister to kids.

Sign up for Christian soccer camp

Ambassadors Soccer Camp is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 through Saturday, July 18 at Volunteer Park. Cost is $145. Each child will get a camp soccer ball, soccer camp T-shirt, certificate of completion, special awards and prizes. Scholarships are available.

The camp is sponsored by Anacortes Christian Church and The Bridge to Christian Fellowship of Oak Harbor.

To register, call ACC at 283-3729 or visit http://www.accweb.net. Deadline to register is Friday, June 19.