2026 Rural Kids Initiative
Minekill Soccer Camp
WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO PROVE?
We all want to prove we’re enough — enough to make the team, lead well, earn respect, and be accepted. So we push, perform, and chase approval.
But real character isn’t built by constantly proving your worth — it’s built by understanding it.
At the highest level, growth goes beyond skills and performance. It’s about developing confidence, identity, and purpose — the kind that holds steady on and off the field.
Experience coaching and training that develops the whole athlete — skill, mindset, and character — with a foundation that lasts longer than the game.
Coaches Artem and Julia Makarenko
Artem is the CEO and head coach of SkillsU FC. Initially playing as a central midfielder in the Ukraine at the highest level in the country. Artem launched his professional coaching career eight years ago. As a licensed youth coach, he had trained kids in Brooklyn's well-known soccer clubs: Brooklyn Italians, FA Euro, BridgeView, and Chernomorets. Artem answered few questions, so you have a chance to know him a little closer.Come and train in an Inflatable Soccer Field with a former Ukrainian soccer pro.
Julia, the co-founder, COO, and coach at Skills. Julia is a fantastic role model for our players. She supports kids' cross- disciplinary development and gives them space to nurture their unique talents. She's the first to ensure all the kids have their smiles on as they practice.
Austin Johns- Assistant Coach:
Coach Austin Johns is a current collegiate midfielder and one of the most accomplished scorers in Section 2 history. He brings a passion for developing athletes through high-level skill training, game awareness, and competitive mindset. At camp, Austin focuses on helping players grow both in their performance and in their character on and off the field.
Rural Kids Initiative
Minekill Soccer Camp
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Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
When:
July 20th - July 24th
Where: Minekill State Park, 161 Mine Kill Rd, North Blenheim, NY 12131
Who: Boys and Girls going into grades 7th-12th
Cost: $249
Time: 9am-4pm
