CHESAPEAKE —It’s a chance to learn firsthand about the sport from the country that is its greatest goodwill ambassador.

That’s what will happen when the Challenger British Soccer Camps come to Lawrence County this summer to host a five-day camp at the Eastern Lawrence Youth Soccer Association soccer field.

Giving a sneak preview of the event this week will be Grant Lecke from the organization who will speak to the students at Fairland East Elementary Friday from 12:30-2 p.m.

“They contacted us and we said that would be wonderful,” Juli Stephens, secretary of ELYSA, said. “It is a wonderful experience for the kids to not only learn about soccer, but also teach them about a different culture. They will be learning about Great Britain.”

The camp will run from Aug. 9 to Aug. 13 at the field at the Lawrence County Airpark. There will be classes for different age groups with a short camp for 3-year-olds; a 90-minute camp for 4-and 5-year olds; and a three-hour camp for players 6-9-year-olds and 10-16-year-olds.

There will morning classes from 9 a.m. to noon and evening sessions from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Players can choose the time they want to attend.

Besides interacting with the British soccer coaches, players’ families will also play host to the coaches in their homes.

“They will also be learning all kinds of different soccer skills,” Stephens said. “They place emphasis on skill development and core technique.”

Recently the ELYSA received a $1,035 U.S. Youth Soccer recreation grant. The money will go to buy Adidas equipment such as jerseys, balls and training bibs. This is the third year for ELYSA getting the grant.

Children ages 3-11 from the Chesapeake, Fairland and Symmes Valley school districts are eligible to play for the Lawrence County league.

Registration for fall leagues will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Chesapeake Elementary School and Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at Fairland West Elementary. Games are played Saturdays from late August to October at the Airpark. Last year the league had 300 players

“I think it is so popular because anyone can play at any level,” Stephens said.