152 kids kick up heels in soccer camp

By Don Wallace Managing Editor on Friday, July 1, 2022
  • Alexi Upton, Sulphur Springs head soccer coach, goes over schedules and drills at camp held recently at the high school multi-purpose building. More than 150 children ranging in age from kindergarten to the incoming ninth graders. Staff photos by Don Wallace
    Alexi Upton, Sulphur Springs head soccer coach, goes over schedules and drills at camp held recently at the high school multi-purpose building. More than 150 children ranging in age from kindergarten to the incoming ninth graders. Staff photos by Don Wallace
  • Robin Castro (center) former Lady Cat soccer player and current SSISD high school teacher, gives instructions to a group of campers Tuesday evening even while dealing with an injury. "Robin has excellent kids communication skills. She worked in the district two-three years and has learned how to effectively work with all kids and all needs," said Alexi Upton, Sulphur Springs head soccer coach. Coaches at the camp were current coaches, assistants and former players as they taught skills to over 150 children.
    Robin Castro (center) former Lady Cat soccer player and current SSISD high school teacher, gives instructions to a group of campers Tuesday evening even while dealing with an injury. "Robin has excellent kids communication skills. She worked in the district two-three years and has learned how to effectively work with all kids and all needs," said Alexi Upton, Sulphur Springs head soccer coach. Coaches at the camp were current coaches, assistants and former players as they taught skills to over 150 children.
  • Even in the shadows on the side of the field, two little girls work on their soccer skills out of the bright summer sun. The Sulphur Springs soccer camp, which concluded Wednesday, had more than 150 participants each evening.
    Even in the shadows on the side of the field, two little girls work on their soccer skills out of the bright summer sun. The Sulphur Springs soccer camp, which concluded Wednesday, had more than 150 participants each evening.
  • Young campers take a short break and listen to instruction from a coach at the recent Sulphur Springs soccer camp held in the high school multi-purpose building. Staff photos by Don Wallace
    Young campers take a short break and listen to instruction from a coach at the recent Sulphur Springs soccer camp held in the high school multi-purpose building. Staff photos by Don Wallace
  • Older players at the Sulphur Springs practiced outdoors on an adjacent practice field at the Sulphur Springs High School while other campers worked out in the multi-purpose building. The camp had more than more than 150 kids from kindergarten age to incoming freshmen students.
    Older players at the Sulphur Springs practiced outdoors on an adjacent practice field at the Sulphur Springs High School while other campers worked out in the multi-purpose building. The camp had more than more than 150 kids from kindergarten age to incoming freshmen students.
  • Soccer players take a rest while they wait to move into another drill at the Sulphur Springs soccer camp held recently at Sulphur Springs High School.
    Soccer players take a rest while they wait to move into another drill at the Sulphur Springs soccer camp held recently at Sulphur Springs High School.
  • Popsicles, a frozen ice treat, were given out to Sulphur Springs soccer camp participants each evening at the camp. The children, numbering more than 150, welcomed the break and the time to visit with friends outside of the multi-purpose building.
    Popsicles, a frozen ice treat, were given out to Sulphur Springs soccer camp participants each evening at the camp. The children, numbering more than 150, welcomed the break and the time to visit with friends outside of the multi-purpose building.

Sulphur Springs has a solid interest in soccer.

More than 150 kids took part each evening at the recent Sulphur Springs soccer camp setting a record for attendance and encouraging coaches.

Alexi Upton, Wildcats head soccer coach said, "We officially had 152, that's a record and something we were shooting for this year."

"The turnout was amazing. My first camp five summers ago had 50 kids! We want to grow the sport of soccer in the community every year and we're doing it. The kids are amazing, so many excited future players. They all work hard and they play hard," Upton said.

His camp was fully staffed with 13 instructors (coaches and former players) to handle the crowd of kids ranging from kindergarten to ninth grade. Due to crowds in the multi-purpose building, some of the older ages practiced outdoors on nearby fields.

The camp was held June 27-29 and featured instruction on a high level to allow the participants to improve skills also enjoying the game.

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