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First annual soccer camp a success

Dakota State University is host this week to the first annual Dakota State University Soccer Academy. The coed camp started Sunday and runs until this Friday. Over 60 students, grades 4-12 will practice several technical skills including shooting, passing, goalkeeping, and ball handling, as well as participate in a variety of games.

“I’m very pleased to see so many campers participating for an inaugural year,” said Dakota State Athletic Director, Dr. Tom Gioglio. “Historically, the first year that the camp is offered, participant numbers are the lowest. This will be a great foundation for years to come.”

Seven former or current college players are on hand to help participants gain skills needed for competition. Each day will focus on a specific skill. Skills gained that day will be taken into competition that evening.

Daniel Ohayon is the Director of the 1^st Annual DSU Soccer Academy. Ohayon is no stranger to soccer. He is currently the Director of Coaching for Dakota Gold Soccer Club in Sioux Falls, played Goalkeeper in the French First Division. Ohayon also coached successfully at the college level and in the Olympic Development Program for 15 years. He was Regional Coach with region IV as well as with the California Youth Soccer Association-South for 20 years as State Coach. He holds a US Soccer “A” License as well as a National Youth Coaching Certificate. Ohayon has directed soccer camps in Region IV and California for the past 12 years. He has degrees in French philosophy and exercise science.

“We chose to come here because DSU has some of the best facilities in this area and because Madison is centralized for the Eastern part of the state. According to Ohayon, “soccer is quick becoming a popular sport across South Dakota. In 1994, there was 13,000 players across the state, this year there is over 18,000.”

The camp is taking place at Trojan Field each day this week. The public is invited to attend the evening competition and games, which start at 6:30 each evening.

“I am excited we had the opportunity to expose the Madison community to soccer,” said Ohayon. “I look forward to building a long-term relationship with Dakota State University.”