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Ex-MLS stars train next generation of players with new focus in camps

Three former MLS stars, Landon Donovan, Stuart Holden and Brian Ching, have combined their talents to train the next generation of U.S. stars, forming an organization called HELM -- Humility, Education, Leadership and Motivation -- that aims to give a new twist to youth soccer camps.

"It is mainly about us interacting with our students and campers and teaching those lessons, how to lead by example, how to motivate," Holden, who also works as an analyst for ESPN FC, told MLSSoccer.com.

The group recently held a camp in San Diego and former U.S. national team and LA Galaxy star Donovan said the trio is interested in developing players.

"We realize that we could sort of slap our name on a camp and show up at the end and high five and sign autographs and that would be maybe acceptable," said Donovan, who also recently coached the MLS Homegrown Team for their match against Club America Under-20. "But we want to do more we want to be involved in everything these kids do and play with them and give them an opportunity and an experience they can't get elsewhere."

Donovan, who on Thursday announced via Instagram that he and his wife are expecting a baby, told ESPN recently that he wouldn't rule out a coaching career, but was exploring what he was passionate about.

Meanwhile, former Dynamo star Brian Ching said he was impressed with the hard work the young players put into the camps.

"The main thing is we just want them to have fun and try to pass along those little things that we think that professionals do that really make them professionals as opposed to the average player," said the 37-year-old, who is now managing director for the NWSL's Houston Dash.

"If we can pass along just a little bit of knowledge to a number of the kids that come out it is definitely rewarding to us."

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