A passion for soccer in Franklin Square

Local resident Michaela McManus practiced her footwork last week.

Mikaelle Kanterakis/Herald

A mixed group scrimmaged last week, during a five-day soccer camp that was held by Atlantic Sports and Performance, a local sports organization.

Mikaelle Kanterakis/Herald

A preschool and kindergarten girls group practiced with coaches Stephan and Leigh.

Mikaelle Kanterakis/Herald

Michael Deprimo, left, Justin Rozzo and Tyler Lanci competed for control of the ball during a camp training session.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Leigh Pilkington, president of Atlantic Sports and Performance, signed soccer balls for local students after the organization's Franklin Square soccer camp.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Charlie Doreste of Douglaston practiced soccer kicks last Friday, as part of a week-long soccer camp held in Franklin Square.

Susan Grieco/Herald

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Nearly 100 local and New York City residents, ages 4 to 16, with a passion for soccer, participated in a spring soccer camp last week, at the Washington Street School in Franklin Square.

The camp, led by local sports organization Atlantic Sports and Performance, was held April 9-13. Participants, which largely included students from Nassau County and Queens, were taught basic soccer skills, including kicking and maneuvering, and working with a team.

Leigh Pilkington, owner of Atlantic Sports and Performance, started the Franklin Square camp last summer and, following a turnout of more than 100 participants, decided to make it an annual event. In addition to the camp, Pilkington works regularly with the Franklin Square Raiders soccer club, which has existed for nearly 30 years, and currently includes more than 630 Franklin members, ranging in age from 4 to 17.

“Leigh is an excellent trainer for my Raiders team,” a local father said last week. “My son is doing this camp for the fourth time, and he is getting a lot out of it.”
Beth Bergman of North Hills said she felt that the camp provided the perfect opportunity for her daughter, Brook, to build team skills and get out of her comfort zone, interacting with new kids.

According to Pilkington, Atlantic Sports and Performance holds camps at different times throughout the year, throughout Nassau County, including in Great Neck, New Hyde Park and West Islip.

He added that he’s hoping to hold 10-week camps this summer on Long Island, as well as in other communities located in the Tri-State area.

For more information on upcoming camps, visit atlanticsportsandperformance.com; or contact Pilkingtonat info@atlanticsportsandperformance.com or (516) 305-1576.

For more information on the Franklin Square Raiders club, call Ed Racchi at (646) 879-9707.

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