The best things about going to summer camps as a child

Whether it was Samba Soccer or the Kit Kat Tennis Club you signed up for, they were great days.

SCHOOL’S OUT FOR a couple of months you so the parents ship you off to hone in your sporting talents in one of a dozen local camps.

Learning new skills

Who remembers those Samba Soccer camps which hit Ireland during the Celtic Tiger. Tapping into the fact that everyone loves Brazilian football, they brought over South American coaches to “Joga bonito”.

YouTube credit: Alex Nunes

Making friends

It didn’t always work out that way though.

Credit: YouTube

Getting to meet your heroes

The highlight of my childhood? Getting handed a bottle of country spring lemonade by Dublin legend Paul Curran.

Credit: summersoccerschools.ie

And learning from the best

Credit: INPHO/Donall Farmer

Credit: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The fine weather

Nothing like it.

Credit: INPHO/James Crombie

Getting free stuff

Kits, balls, water bottles, bags… the lot.

Credit: KelloggsCulCamps.gaa.ie

Winning medals

Because that’s what it was all about at the end of the day… right?