Orange cones stretched across Veterans Memorial Park in Ontario as children weaved through drills, celebrated goals and chased soccer balls across the grass. Nearby, parents unfolded lawn chairs while Empire Strykers players greeted young athletes with encouragement and high-fives.
For 11-year-old Elizabeth, the best part was simple.
“My favorite thing about this camp was all my friends being here and all of the drills we did,” she said. “I learned how to dribble, pass and juke and how to do tricks I never knew how to do before.”
Elizabeth joined 273 other children on June 8 and 9 for the soccer camps, part of a series held by the Empire Strykers through the Healthy Futures Initiative led by Hope through Housing. At each camp, young athletes spend two days learning new skills, building friendships and staying active.
The Healthy Futures Initiative brings together partners from across the Inland Empire to expand access to wellness, prevention and healthy living opportunities that improve quality of life and strengthen individuals, families and communities.
Eric, a parent who brought his 13-year-old and 7-year-old sons, said lessons from the Ontario camp will reach far beyond summer break.
“The soccer camp builds foundation and shows them responsibility and how to be dedicated,” he said. “It shows them how to start at a young age and be responsible, and that if you want to achieve the goals you want in life you’ve got to work for it.”
Freddie, who brought his 5-year-old, said he saw immediate benefits.
“Now he’s not on the iPad all day. He’s more athletic, he’s actually conditioned,” he said.
Opportunities like are difficult for families to find, something Freddie said he doesn’t take for granted.
“A lot of things cost money, and the fact that they’re able to donate their time and have these people out here, it’s amazing. It’s a blessing really,” he said.
Camps are scheduled for June 22 and 23 in Fontana, July 27 and 28 in Rancho Cucamonga, July 29 and 30 in Victorville and Aug. 10 and 11 in Upland.
Registration for upcoming camps is available here.
Community partners supporting the June 8 and 9 camps included:
- Office of Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, represented by Roxanna Garcia
- La Voz Church in Ontario, represented by Mike and Moey Lopez
- Local 1430 Ontario Professional Firefighters, represented by Chris Bowen
- San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, represented by Heather Cockerill
- El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center, represented by Rebecca Arroyo and Octavianna Diaz
- UDID, represented by Jasmyne Randolph
- Chick-fil-A Vineyard, represented by Tim Gravino